The Gambia has signed a MoU with the Jospong Group to implement an African-tailored waste management solution. The initiative aims to build a waste treatment plant within six months as a part of a PPP framework, highlighting the need for African nations to devise independent solutions to their challenges. The partnership marks a significant step in addressing environmental issues collaboratively.
The Government of The Gambia has formalized a partnership with the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) to implement a tailored waste management solution, signifying a proactive approach to African challenges. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed during a ceremony in Accra, led by the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, and JGC’s Executive Chairman, Joseph Siaw Agyepong, on March 3, 2025.
Minister Manjang emphasized the urgency for Africa to develop homegrown solutions to its challenges, revealing plans for establishing a waste treatment facility in The Gambia within six months through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). She stated, “I know, for Africa to go forward with our limited resources, we need to be innovative in making sure that we fix our problems.”
The signing follows a five-day tour by a Gambian government delegation to Jospong’s waste management facilities in Ghana, which included Parliament members, Council members, and technical teams. Manjang noted the necessity of private sector involvement, declaring her goal to set up a waste management unit expediently.
The MoU is hailed as a critical step towards a comprehensive roadmap for The Gambia’s waste management strategy. Manjang expressed optimism about the potential solutions discovered during the inspections in Ghana, remarking on the preceding strategies proposed by Western nations that often lead to debt, stating, “What we saw this past three days was amazing.”
While contemplating potential challenges for the project, Manjang affirmed its feasibility. “It is doable, it is workable, it is achievable,” she stated, reiterating the necessity for collaboration to solve problems from start to finish.
In his remarks, Executive Chairman Agyepong attributed the advancements of his organization to strategic ideation. He pointed out that Africa’s adherence to foreign aid has restricted its progress, cautioning against reliance on outside grants. He suggested that innovative ideas and determination are crucial for African development.
Agyepong explained that collective willpower has recently spurred significant changes in Ghana’s waste management sector, urging the Gambian population to unite for progress in their initiatives. Prior to the MoU signing, the Gambian delegation met with Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, to discuss bilateral investment security.
Honorable Muhammed emphasized the importance of protecting Ghanaian investments and highlighted the historical ties and cooperative dynamics between the two nations, remarking, “The relationship between Ghana and Gambia predates independence.” He advised Jospong to uphold a strong corporate citizenship in The Gambia.
Minister Manjang acknowledged the mutual challenges faced by the two countries and the benefits of collaboration in addressing environmental issues. She emphasized the need for sustainable waste management practices, especially in light of population growth’s impact on the environment. The Gambian delegation toured Jospong facilities, emphasizing the need for environmentally sound management strategies.
The partnership between The Gambia and the Jospong Group is poised to enhance waste management solutions, reflecting a commitment to local innovation and collaboration. The initiatives aim to establish effective waste treatment facilities and underscore the importance of African-led strategies in addressing environmental challenges. With the backing of both governments, this collaboration signifies a pivotal moment in advancing sustainable management practices beneficial for both nations.
Original Source: 3news.com
