Accra, March 10, GNA - The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) is about reviewing the National Environmental Policy which would commence the implementation of appropriate strategies on waste management across the country.

The Sector Minister, Ms. Sherry Ayittey, who announced this at a roundtable on Wednesday in Accra therefore asked all stakeholders to come up with recommendations that would inform government policy on sanitation and waste management to effectively deal with the situation.

In an address read for her by Mr. George Kojo Scott, Chief Director, MEST, Ms. Ayittey noted that the Ministry would soon submit to cabinet for approval, its Science, technology and innovation policy aimed at building a strong capacity that would upgrade Ghana from the low science and technology poor status to an economy based on high levels of production, processing, industrialization and manufacturing by focusing on enhanced research. The meeting was organized by the George Benneh Foundation in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to collate views and thoughts of researchers, planners and other experts on; "Recycling of Waste into Industrial Products". The discussion centred on electronic waste, sanitation and health as well as appropriate technology to support small and medium scale recycling industries.

Ms. Ayittey said because the issues of sanitation and waste were critical, there was the need for all, including churches, civil society, non-governmental organizations, metropolitan, municipal and districts assemblies to play a role in the education and management of waste products. "It is worthy to note that countries that have adequately dealt with the problem of waste management and sanitation have done so through intensive research and the application of research result. This is a major challenge to our universities and research institutions" she indicated. She therefore urged business and industry to play a major role in providing the technological know how to facilitate such research as well as professional institutions to provide the technical expertise to deal with the problem.

Dr. Jean Aka, Chairman, George Benneh Foundation, said the waste currently generated in the country, especially in the capital city was so enormous causing lots of health hazards to the people. There is therefore the need to take bold steps to address the situation. Dr. Abdulai B. Salifu, Director-General, CSIR said the outcome of the discussions was expected to provide a lead in waste management in the country. He noted that technological innovation was the answer to manage waste and that his outfit was ready for partnerships in that direction. Other speakers who gave various presentations stressed the need to prioritize sanitation issues, proper planning of settlements, health education campaign, need for every household to have a toilet facility and potable water amongst other things. 10 March, 10