TERRAPLUS GHANA KAMA CAMPAIGN REPORT
Posted by boafostephen183@gmail.com|Apr 7, 2025, 6:21 PM
The KAMA Campaign by TerraPlus Ghana, launched in August 2024, focused on improving waste management and cleanliness in Kumasi's Tech Junction. Key activities included a community cleanup and the installation of recyclable waste bins. The initiative, supported by local partnerships, enhanced sanitation and promoted recycling while creating job opportunities. Despite challenges, the campaign successfully raised awareness and is set to expand in the future. Read the full report to learn more about its impact and future plans.
BACKGROUND
TerraPlus Ghana is an environmental advocacy non-governmental organization dedicated to the protection, conservation, and progress of the environment. As part of its commitment to sustainable environmental practices, the organization embarked on the KAMA Campaign during the 2024 World Environment Day celebrations. This initiative aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and waste management within Kumasi, particularly in the Tech Junction area at the Oforikrom Muncipality.
The KAMA Campaign focused on two primary activities:
1. Cleaning Exercise at Tech Junction
2. Installation of Industrial-Size Recyclable Waste Bins
These activities were executed in collaboration with the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly and a long term partnership with Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant Limited (KCARP) for the waste collection and recycling. The project was generously funded by the Davies Prize for Peace Project, with support facilitated through Eric Ford Twumasi of Earlham College.
Project Execution
Cleaning Exercise at Tech Junction
The campaign commenced with a community cleanup of Tech Junction, a heavily trafficked area in Kumasi. Volunteers, including members of TerraPlus Ghana, municipal officials, KNUST environmental Science Association members and other community residents, participated in clearing waste from the streets, gutters, and public spaces. The cleanup activity aimed to:
• Reduce littering in the area
• Improve public sanitation
• Raise awareness about proper waste disposal practices
The exercise was complemented by public education on environmental conservation, encouraging residents and businesses to adopt sustainable waste management practices.
Installation of Industrial-Size Recyclable Waste Bins
To ensure sustained cleanliness, the campaign installed locally designed industrial-size recyclable waste bins at strategic locations along the streets of Tech Junction. These bins were designed to facilitate proper waste segregation and collection, aiming to:
• Reduce street litter
• Promote recycling habits within the community
• Improve overall waste management efficiency
In addition to the bins, the campaign also introduced two tricycles dedicated to waste collection. These tricycles were assigned to collect waste from the bins every morning, ensuring the area remains clean and hygienic. Furthermore, the initiative created employment opportunities for individuals responsible for collecting the waste, allowing them to earn an income while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Impact and Achievements
The KAMA Campaign has had a significant impact on the Tech Junction area, including:
• Enhanced environmental cleanliness and reduced littering
• Increased community awareness and participation in waste management
• Strengthened partnerships between the municipal assembly, NGOs, and private stakeholders in sustainable environmental initiatives
• Established an efficient waste collection system with the introduction of tricycles for daily waste collection
• Creation of employment opportunities for individuals engaged in waste collection and disposal
Challenges Encountered
While the project was largely successful, some challenges were encountered:
• Resistance from some community members who were initially reluctant to adopt new waste disposal habits
• The need for continuous funding to maintain and expand the waste collection system
• Limited public knowledge on waste segregation, requiring further education campaigns
Recommendations and Way Forward
To build on the success of the KAMA Campaign, TerraPlus Ghana recommends the following actions:
• Continuous Public Education: Regular sensitization programs on waste segregation and recycling should be implemented to enhance community participation.
• Expansion of Waste Bin Installations: Additional waste bins should be installed in more areas to improve waste collection efficiency.
• Sustainability Funding: Efforts should be made to secure long-term funding from stakeholders to maintain the waste collection system.
• Strengthening Partnerships: More collaborations should be established with corporate entities and environmental agencies to enhance the project’s impact.
Conclusion
The KAMA Campaign has proven to be a pivotal step in improving environmental sustainability in Kumasi, particularly at Tech Junction. Through collaborative efforts, strategic funding, and community engagement, the campaign successfully enhanced sanitation and waste management in the area. TerraPlus Ghana remains committed to fostering environmental progress and looks forward to expanding similar initiatives in other parts of the country.
Long live Ghana!!
Long live TerraPlus Ghana!!
Service To Mother Earth!!
Prepared by: Miss Mabel Gyamfuah
General Secretary TerraPlus Ghana