Zero Plastic Waste (‘Borla’) : A Cleaner, Healthier Bolgatanga

The Crisis at Our Doorstep

Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana is at a crossroads. Rapid urban expansion and changing consumption habits have led to a plastic pollution crisis that threatens our health, environment, and future.

• Choked Environments: Low-value plastics like sachet bags and black polythene clog our drains, leading to flooding and creating unsanitary conditions in our neighbourhoods and marketplaces.

• Health in Peril: Piles of uncollected waste are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases, increasing the risks of malaria, cholera, and typhoid, especially for our children.

• A System Under Strain: Existing waste management systems are overwhelmed, leaving communities to face the consequences of pollution alone.

Our Holistic Solution: Education, Action, and Opportunity

Synergy Haven’s Zero Plastic Waste ("Borla") initiative responds to a national crisis where Ghana generates over 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which only about 5–10% is recycled. The World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership notes that more than 2,000 waste pickers already contribute to plastic collection across the country. Building on this momentum, Synergy Haven will implement a phased plan to remove about 30 tonnes of plastic in 2026, scaling up to over 100 tonnes by 2027 as systems strengthen and community participation grows.

This initiative is a comprehensive, community-powered model designed to tackle plastic waste at its source. We don’t intend only to clean up but build a sustainable system that educates, empowers, and creates economic value.

Our Three-Pillar Approach:

1. Education in Schools: We integrate recycling and environmental stewardship directly into school life through dynamic School WASH Clubs. Beyond waste management, these clubs are platforms for crucial life skills education, covering:

   • Proper waste segregation and hygiene practices.

   • Awareness of child labour and the importance of education.

   • Prevention of teenage pregnancy and promoting sexual health.

   • Leadership, civic responsibility, and community advocacy.

2. Community Action & Collection: We train and support local youth and women's groups to become plastic collection facilitators.

   By placing collection cages in schools and strategic community points, we make it easy for everyone to participate, turning waste collectors into recognised environmental entrepreneurs.

3. Economic Inclusion & Recycling: We create a direct link between collected plastics and recycling companies, ensuring this waste is transformed into new products. This provides a steady source of income for vulnerable groups and formalises a green economy in Bolgatanga.

The Ripple Effect: Your Investment's Impact

Join Our Coalition for Change

The "Borla" project is built on partnership. We are bringing together the community, private sector, and public institutions to build a lasting solution.

We are seeking partners who want to invest in a brighter future for Bolgatanga:

• Program Funders & Donors: Your grant will directly fund the setup of school WASH clubs, community collection points, and training for our local facilitators.

• Corporate Sponsors: Sponsor a school, fund an inter-school competition, or provide the bins and collection equipment needed on the ground.

• Technical & Recycling Partners: Offer your expertise in waste processing or provide a reliable market for the collected plastics.

• Awareness Champions: Help us spread the word and amplify our message of change.

Why Invest in Synergy Haven?

Unlike one-off clean-up drives, our model is designed for long-term sustainability and scalability.

• Proven Framework: Our strategy is based on successful waste management models, adapted for the unique context of Bolgatanga.

• Community-Led: We don't just work in the community; we work with the community, ensuring local ownership and lasting impact.

• Measurable Results: We track key metrics including kilos of plastic collected and recycled, jobs created, and student engagement levels.

• Dual Impact: We address both environmental degradation and social issues such as unemployment and educational inequality, driving comprehensive change.

Ready to Be Part of the Solution?

This is more than an environmental project; it's an investment in the health, economy, and future leaders of Bolgatanga. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and build a model of success for all of Ghana.

Contact us today to learn more and discuss partnership opportunities.

Synergy Haven
Email: info@synergyhaven.org
Website: https://www.synergyhaven.org/