Poor Organic Waste Management Driving Pollution And Climate Risks – ESPA Regional President Warns

The Ashanti Regional President of the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA), Ing. Eugene Amo-Asamoah, has warned that poor management of organic waste is contributing to environmental pollution and climate-related risks in Ghana.

Speaking in an interview with Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, he explained that organic waste constitutes the largest portion of waste generated in the country and must be properly handled to avoid serious consequences.

“If you look at the composition of waste in Africa, the organic component is between 50 and 70 percent,” he said.

According to him, failure to properly manage this component leads to harmful environmental effects, including the release of greenhouse gases and contamination of natural resources.

“If you don’t manage the organic waste well, when it decays it releases gases that pollute the environment, affect the soil and water, and contribute to climate change,” he cautioned.

Ing. Amo-Asamoah noted that improper disposal practices, particularly dumping without treatment, worsen sanitation challenges and increase public health risks.

He stressed that effective waste treatment processes, including composting and biogas production, can convert organic waste into valuable resources while reducing environmental harm.

He maintained that prioritising proper organic waste management is critical to protecting public health and addressing the growing environmental challenges facing the country.