Ghana Launches National Union for Informal Waste Workers to Advance Circular Economy

Accra, Ghana – The Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO), in collaboration with government and development partners, has officially launched Ghana’s first National Union for Informal Waste Workers, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to build an inclusive circular economy.

The event, held at the Wesley Towers Conference Room in Accra under the theme “From Informality to Inclusion: Recognizing Informal Waste Workers as Essential Actors in Ghana’s Circular Economy,” brought together waste worker leaders from all sixteen regions of Ghana, government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations.

The launch crowns a five-year nationwide effort by GAYO to organize and empower informal waste workers. What began with a single waste picker cooperative has evolved into a national movement aimed at recognizing the vital role waste workers play in environmental protection and economic development.

The newly inaugurated union will serve as the collective voice of informal waste workers, enabling them to engage government, local authorities, industry players, and development partners on issues affecting their livelihoods. Its mandate includes advocating for safer working conditions, stronger worker organizations, improved market access, occupational health and safety, social protection, and greater participation in policymaking.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Labor, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, described the formation of the union as a legitimate exercise backed by Ghana’s labor laws and international commitments.

“The formation of the National Informal Waste Worker Union is a lawful exercise of constitutional and statutory underpinnings, and Government fully recognizes this important development,” he stated.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to promoting decent work, strengthening social dialogue, and creating an enabling environment for informal waste workers to contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s economy.

Representing GAYO, Richard Matey said the establishment of the union reflects years of organizing, collaboration, and advocacy aimed at ensuring that waste workers receive the recognition they deserve.

“Recognition requires organization. Organization requires representation. Representation requires partnerships. That understanding shaped the journey that has brought us here today,” he said.

Mr. Matey noted that the launch marks the beginning of a broader agenda to secure legal recognition, deepen municipal integration, expand market opportunities, and improve the welfare of informal waste workers across the country.

Both government and GAYO emphasized that the union’s inauguration is only the first step in a long-term process of integrating informal waste workers into Ghana’s formal waste management system and circular economy.

Key priorities include strengthening the union’s institutional capacity, expanding partnerships with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), improving access to occupational health and social protection services, and ensuring the active participation of waste workers in Ghana’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

The initiative has received support from several local and international partners, including the UMI Fund, The Earthshot Prize, Global Methane Hub, and the Clean Air Fund. Technical and institutional support has also been provided by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), the Ghana National Plastic Action Partnership (Ghana NPAP), the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, People’s Dialogue, Impact Footprint Africa, IESS Legon, Green Growth Africa, Work First Mile, CONIWAS, and numerous government agencies, recycling companies, and civil society organizations.

GAYO has extended an open invitation to government institutions, producer responsibility organizations, private companies, research institutions, foundations, and development partners to join the initiative in advancing an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient waste management system in Ghana.

The organization believes that empowering informal waste workers will not only improve livelihoods but also strengthen environmental sustainability, boost recycling efforts, and accelerate Ghana’s transition to a circular economy.