Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John has led efforts to secure a major Ghana-Italy partnership that will see the construction of a modern waste treatment and waste-to-energy plant in Savelugu, a project expected to improve sanitation and generate renewable energy for several districts in the Northern Region.
The project, being undertaken in collaboration with Italian waste management company Trentino Ambiens, comes at a time when Ghana continues to grapple with mounting waste management challenges. According to the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Ghana generates an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, yet a significant portion remains untreated or improperly disposed of, contributing to environmental pollution, flooding, and public health concerns.
The proposed facility is expected to serve Savelugu, Nanton, Kumbungu, Karaga and parts of Tamale, where growing urbanisation has increased pressure on existing waste management systems.
The initiative was initially proposed by the Savelugu Municipal Assembly, led by Municipal Chief Executive Alhassan Fuseini, which formally approached Trentino Ambiens for support in establishing a waste treatment facility. The project subsequently gained regional backing after Minister Ali Adolf John championed the initiative as a sustainable solution to both sanitation and energy challenges.
Following a series of engagements between Ghanaian authorities and the Italian company, a high-level delegation led by the Northern Regional Minister travelled to Italy for consultations and negotiations on the project.
The delegation included officials from the Savelugu and Nanton assemblies, who held discussions with Trentino Ambiens on the technical, operational and environmental aspects of the proposed facility.
A key outcome of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, participating local authorities and Trentino Ambiens.
The agreement was signed by Ali Adolf John on behalf of the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, while Alhassan Fuseini and Nanton District Chief Executive Abdul Rahman Zenabu Rosina signed on behalf of their respective assemblies.
Speaking on the project, the Northern Regional Minister said the facility would support government efforts to improve environmental sanitation, protect public health and create economic opportunities through renewable energy generation.
He explained that waste collected from beneficiary districts would be processed into useful products, including gas and electricity, reducing the volume of waste sent to dumpsites while creating value from materials that would otherwise become environmental hazards.
A technical team from Trentino Ambiens is expected in July 2026 to inspect the proposed project site in Savelugu and conduct assessments ahead of construction.
Authorities believe the project could become one of the most significant environmental infrastructure investments in northern Ghana, creating jobs, improving sanitation and demonstrating how waste can be transformed into a valuable resource.
If successfully implemented, the Savelugu facility could provide a model for other regions seeking sustainable solutions to Ghana’s persistent waste management challenges while advancing the country’s transition towards cleaner and more renewable energy sources.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
