Environment
THE City of Accra has launched an ambitious LOW-Methane Portfolio aimed at significantly reducing methane emissions from the waste sector, while advancing climate action, improving public health, creating jobs and accelerating its transition to a zero-waste economy.
The roadmap commits the Ghanaian capital to reducing methane emissions from waste disposal by at least 30 per cent by 2030, in line with Ghana’s commitments under the Global Methane Pledge and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The initiative also supports Ghana’s national target of cutting carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions by 21,313 kilotonnes by 2030 through sustainable urban solid waste management.
The portfolio, developed with technical support from the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), and C40 Cities, outlines practical measures to transform waste management across the city.
Central to the strategy is the separation of organic waste at source, diversion of organic waste away from landfills, and greater involvement of waste pickers and community organisations in methane reduction efforts.
Speaking at the launch, Desmond Alugnoa, GAIA Africa’s Zero Waste and Climate Programme Manager, described the initiative as evidence that coordinated partnerships can translate climate commitments into tangible local action.
According to him, cities across Africa have enormous opportunities to reduce methane emissions through improved waste management.
“Accra’s LOW-Methane Portfolio is proof that when local governments, national, regional and global organisations pull in the same direction, climate targets can become real action on the ground.
“The opportunity to cut waste methane at the local level is enormous, and Accra is showing that cities across Africa are ready to move when communities, governments and partners co-create practical, locally rooted zero-waste solutions,” he said.
The portfolio is anchored on three strategic goals designed to steer Accra towards becoming a low-methane, zero-waste city.
Under the plan, the city aims to achieve at least 50 per cent source-separated organic waste collection by 2030 through citywide collection systems.
It also plans to establish decentralised organic waste management infrastructure capable of diverting at least 30 per cent of organic waste from disposal sites by 2040.
The third pillar focuses on strengthening public awareness and data systems through education campaigns on the environmental and health impacts of food waste and methane pollution, while monitoring progress against Ghana’s climate commitments.
Victor N. Kotey, Deputy Head of Waste Management at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, said the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to translating climate policies into measurable benefits for residents.
“We envision an Accra where climate action is more than a policy commitment; it is a promise to our people, our children, and the generations who will inherit this city.
“We are demonstrating that when communities, institutions and young people work together, Accra can become a beacon of climate leadership for Ghana, Africa and the world,” Kotey said.
According to projections contained in the portfolio, implementation of the strategy could generate about 13,500 tonnes of annual methane reductions by 2040.
The expected benefits also include improved air quality, increased employment opportunities, enhanced food systems through compost production, and strengthened energy resilience through biogas utilisation.
The Green Africa Youth Organization called for stronger partnerships and sustained investments to ensure successful implementation of the initiative.
Jacob Johnson Attakpah, Zero Waste Director at GAYO, said the next phase of implementation should prioritise decentralised, community-driven zero-waste systems backed by strong political leadership and adequate financing.
He stressed that waste pickers must play a central role in achieving the city’s climate objectives.
“At the core of this transition is recognising waste pickers as essential actors in implementation.
“Their knowledge, labour and leadership must be fully integrated into how Accra reduces organic waste from landfill, strengthens resource recovery and delivers measurable methane reductions that advance Ghana’s Nationally Determined Contributions,” Attakpah said.
The launch comes shortly after Accra was recognised among the United Nations’ 20 cities making significant progress towards zero waste.
City authorities said the LOW-Methane Portfolio would provide a framework for deeper collaboration with development partners, investors, philanthropic organisations, civil society groups and the private sector to scale up zero-waste solutions as part of broader climate action efforts.
Officials said the initiative further strengthens Accra’s position as one of Africa’s emerging leaders in urban climate action and sustainable waste management.
F.O
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