The United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) believes Ghana’s transition from a traditional linear economy to a circular one could significantly address youth unemployment while promoting sustainable growth and environmental responsibility.
Mr. Eric Gyenin, UNIDO’s Country Coordinator, highlighted the Ghana Circular Economy Centre (GCEC) Project as a catalyst for this transformation.
According to Mr. Gyenin, the GCEC Project is a five-year plan designed to establish a physical hub to support the country’s circular economy transition, especially within the agriculture and agro-processing, textiles, and plastics sectors.
“The GCEC Project is anchored on five core pillars,” he explained. “These include the establishment of a circular economy centre, capacity building and training for women and youth, provision of technical support for circular technologies and businesses, access to finance for innovative circular projects, and the creation of platforms for networking and knowledge exchange.”
Mr. Gyenin believes the initiative could be a game changer in tackling Ghana’s growing unemployment challenges. “This project is about more than environmental management, it is also about economic opportunity,” he said.
“Once we begin to go circular, it will increase the number of people working across the value chain. Waste materials from these industries will be reintroduced into the production cycle, creating a continuous loop that drives jobs and innovation.”
He emphasized that a circular economy model supports inclusive industrialisation and low-carbon development, especially for women, youth, and informal workers. “If we want inclusive growth and sustainable jobs, then circularity must be at the heart of our development strategy,” he added.
Addressing how the project aligns with the government’s proposed 24-Hour Economy policy, Mr. Gyenin remarked that a truly round-the-clock economy requires efficiency, innovation, and sustainable resource use, all of which are hallmarks of a circular model.
“For the 24-hour economy to function effectively, every aspect of production and consumption must evolve,” he said.
“This project helps open up Ghanaian industries by encouraging recycling and reuse of materials, thereby feeding continuous production and economic activity,” he added.
As Ghana faces pressing environmental concerns and a youth unemployment rate of over 20%, the GCEC initiative is expected to provide a blueprint for integrating circular economy practices into national policy and economic planning. It also aims to spark private-sector interest and unlock new investment opportunities that generate green jobs.
Mr. Gyenin called for increased stakeholder participation and awareness, stressing that “the circular economy is not just an environmental project but it is an economic revolution that can uplift communities and create lasting impact.”
