Manhyia: Portage Energy Group briefs Asantehene on Waste-to-Power project in Kumasi

Añadido: 2026-05-21

[00:00:00]Thank you.

[00:00:05]Thank you.

[00:00:07]Um first of all, I just want to say that we're very honored uh to visit the Garden City um and be hosted at the palace by by His Majesty.

[00:00:16]Um we're here to talk about a couple different things. One is a waste-to-energy project that we would like to do in Ghana.

[00:00:24]Um actually four projects in all the major centers. So, we'd like to do Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, and Takoradi.

[00:00:35]So, currently we've been working with the government um and we've recently signed an MOU.

[00:00:41]So, we're very happy with the progress we've been making um one of the things I'd like to also say is is I'd like to recognize uh the honorable um Miriam Montrat, who is the High Commissioner from Canada, who facilitated this meeting today. Um she's doing a lot of work in terms of relationships between Canada and Ghana.

[00:01:03]And Canada really wants to strengthen our relationships in West Africa.

[00:01:08]And part of this is bringing our execution and our ability to build sustainable solutions in the country.

[00:01:16]Um the facilities will be waste-to-power.

[00:01:20]So, we will take the waste that you have and turn that into reliable green power.

[00:01:26]So, the power will be 24/7, be reliable.

[00:01:29]Each facility will power up to 20,000 homes and businesses.

[00:01:34]So, a good amount of power, around 100 megawatts across all the facilities.

[00:01:39]Um we also have support from our federal government, uh which is very important.

[00:01:44]Uh the 24th the 24th Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Mark Carney, has made it very important for Canada to to start to look at other markets outside of North America to bring our technologies, our experience, and our world-class expertise.

[00:02:01]So, that's that's the project that we're looking. We've got we've got some things for the for the king to look at after for reference purposes.

[00:02:11]Um the second thing we wanted to discuss is we will be Um we will be excited to host the king for the World Cup in Toronto.

[00:02:20]And so, there's going to be an opportunity to play golf at one of the great golf courses in Toronto at Lion's Head.

[00:02:27]Um I'm a golfer. I look forward to playing golf with with the king with some other dignitaries.

[00:02:33]Um also, the king will be addressing the diaspora, which is 40,000 Ghanaians live in Toronto.

[00:02:40]Um so, at that point, there'll be a Sankofa Square, which is a big square in Toronto. Um 10 to 15,000 people we expect there that the king will address as well.

[00:02:50]So, we aim to make his trip very fruitful.

[00:02:53]Um we know we heard a lot about the king, his wisdom, and we're here to really say, you know, get his blessing for the projects that we're trying to to accomplish and things we're trying to do in Ghana.

[00:03:05]Um we know that if you're trying to build infrastructure here, the king needs to, you know, impart his wisdom and also impart his support. So, that's why we're here today.

[00:03:16]Thank you.

[00:03:47]Thank you for coming this afternoon. I thank you very The the the High Commissioner that you'll be here. Sure.

[00:03:56]But the major issue is about waste management. Yes. Which is a bigger issue for us. Sure. We've not been able to have a solution to that so far.

[00:04:08]We've had some companies trying and building collecting the waste and then building whatever, but we still have a major problem. And the tons and tons of waste and the increase in population and also mismanagement of where to put the waste by the people themselves is creating so much problems for us that uh we need to have a holistic scientific approach to that. Sure. Therefore, what you come with would be something that ideally would be uh better for us in terms of health delivery, everything and converting that issue into electricity and all those things. You see the uh seriously, we need a holistic approach to waste management.

[00:04:52]And that is what I think we are all looking for.

[00:04:56]So, when the high commission spoke to me about it, I said that's a welcome news that I would expect. So, I immediately instructed that when you come, they should get you to see the mayor of Kumasi so he can take you around some of the places where and then also get to meet the waste department section so we know the volumes of uh waste that we produce. I don't think we would even have the accurate number, but using your expertise also and doing a proper feasibility, we should be able to have the the tonnage of waste that we produce every day, every week, every year. And that then would endure to the benefit of helping us to set up what would be appropriate for Kumasi and the environment. The greater Kumasi, for example, is wider.

[00:05:45]And the various districts and municipal assemblies are all included that if we can look at it, it will help us to to be able to plan on this one. So, I I look to your technical expertise to be able to do this and I believe strongly that the mayor would assemble his team to be able to meet you and then also have a drive around the Zoomlion, for example, has been doing its best.

[00:06:12]But it's good it's not good enough. And so, we we should even though they've been trying. So, we need such collaboration from here.

[00:06:22]And committing if we able to satisfy ourselves that this will be a solution, then the local Ministry of Local Government and the Finance and everything we can be talking to them also for us to do that. And jointly in Accra, for example, in Tamale and all those places, all over the country. It's one major issue that we have and that's something that we all would want to have a solution to. So, I I know you know I'm coming to Canada also through you.

[00:06:51]Uh Canada Chamber Ghana Commerce and all that. So, obviously this should be one of the major topics that I would want to talk to you about. So, by the time we meet, I want to know what data you collected and I also find out what I can bring to you so we can discuss that together. Your film formulate a policy that will help us to do that. But I you have my support in in every way because waste management is something that we all have to find a solution to.

[00:07:19]And I I know you the High Commissioner tells me you're also preparing to receive me there.

[00:07:24]And therefore, I look forward to meeting you and I hope that this collaboration between Canada and Ghana would endure to the benefit mutually of all of us together friendly.

[00:07:37]But if you get it right here, we'll get it right everywhere, I'm sure. So, let's try and do that.

[00:07:41]So, I thank you for coming this afternoon and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

[00:07:47]Yo. And for the best for the my waste management solution also coming up from here. So, I thank you.

[00:07:55]>> [applause]