The Gambia has signed an MoU with the Jospong Group to establish a waste management solution, aiming for innovative African responses to local challenges. Minister Rohey John Manjang emphasized the need for collaboration with the private sector and plans to build a waste treatment facility within six months. Jospong’s Executive Chairman Joseph Siaw Agyepong and Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed of Ghana reinforced the significance of investment security and historical ties between the two nations.
The Gambia has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) to implement a tailored waste management solution, aiming to address local challenges effectively. This initiative reflects the philosophy of developing African solutions for African issues. The agreement was formalized during a ceremony on March 3, 2025, in Accra, presided over by Rohey John Manjang, The Gambia’s Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, and Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of JGC.
Minister Manjang emphasized the necessity for African nations to create indigenous solutions, particularly citing her goal to establish a waste treatment facility in The Gambia within six months through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. She stated, “We need to be innovative in making sure that we fix our problems. We cannot just say that we do not have money.” This commitment follows a comprehensive tour conducted by Gambian officials at Jospong’s waste management facilities in Ghana.
The Minister stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. She affirmed her aim to construct a waste management unit by June, asserting that, “governments cannot do things alone and must bring the private sector on board.” This MoU symbolizes the commencement of a detailed strategy for establishing a sustainable waste management framework in The Gambia.
Reflecting on her visits to the facilities, Manjang mentioned that the solutions designed by Jospong demonstrated the feasibility of African-led initiatives, lamenting the conventional dependency on foreign aid. She expressed optimism, proclaiming that, “It is doable, it is workable, it is achievable, and we can do it in The Gambia.” Furthermore, she commended Jospong Group for its innovative approaches and underscored the need for unity and creativity to advance the continent’s development.
In his address, Mr. Agyepong attributed his company’s achievements to what he referred to as “divine orchestration,” calling for a focus on innovative strategies rather than financial assistance alone. He remarked, “What we need in Africa is ideas and strategy, not money,” emphasizing the importance of self-reliance. He cautioned against the dangers of overly relying on foreign grants, urging African nations to pursue autonomous development exemplified by success stories from countries like Rwanda.
Prior to the MoU signing, Madam Manjang’s delegation visited Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, where Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed reiterated the historical ties between Ghana and The Gambia, emphasizing the need to protect investments. He stated, “Investments will only flow when investors feel safe and their investments are secured.” He urged Jospong Group to uphold ethical practices in their Gambia operations, asserting that their performance would reflect Ghana’s reputation.
The Gambian delegation’s tour of Jospong Group’s state-of-the-art facilities showcased exemplary practices in waste management. Minister Manjang recognized the need for environmentally sustainable waste practices, attributing the increasing population as a contributing factor to environmental degradation. She articulated the urgency of adopting responsible waste management strategies to mitigate these impacts as they move forward together with Ghanaian partners.
The recent MoU between The Gambia and the Jospong Group marks a significant step towards enhancing waste management capacity in the nation, with a clear focus on developing local solutions. The commitment from both parties highlights an innovative approach aimed at addressing pressing environmental challenges through public-private partnerships. This initiative underscores the importance of self-reliance and cooperation in advancing Africa’s developmental goals while protecting investments and fostering sustainable practices.
Original Source: 3news.com
