In 2015, in Accra, the capital of Ghana, a devastating fire exacerbated by plastic pollution ended up killing 250 people. While this was a horrible accident, Nelson Boateng, the Chief Executive Officer of Nelplast, a big plastic-producing company in Ghana, took accountability and decided to start creating an impactful solution from this loss. He became inspired to invent and invest in bricks made out of shredded plastic and sand to mitigate the issues of plastic arising in Ghana.

This invention also helped save his company, as the Ghanaian government was considering a ban on single-use plastics due to health and safety hazards associated with plastic pollution. Boateng told “Africa Calling” podcast correspondent Zubaida Mabuno Ismail, “I had to find a way of dealing with the plastic in a more sustainable way.”

Waste Management in Ghana

A major factor driving plastic repurposing efforts in Ghana is the country’s significant plastic pollution problem. The National Library of Medicine reports a link between public health issues in Ghana and inconsistent waste management practices, a concern shared by many Ghanaians. Indeed, Gbeddy Phanuel’s online survey on household waste management practices in Accra found that 83% of respondents consider quality service to be the top priority. Many feel that current waste management practices are unpredictable and lack professionalism.

As a developing country, Ghana has yet to establish fully functional waste management sites, making it challenging for residents to dispose of waste properly. In fact, 62% of Ghana’s waste reaches landfills. Furthermore, the remaining 38% is disposed of through unregulated methods, including 14.5% in waterways and 16.5% in gutters. This poses health risks for Ghanaians as inadequate waste management solutions compromise water sources.

Fortunately, Gbeddy’s survey of more than 200 Ghanaians revealed that 81% are willing to participate in waste management initiatives. Plastic waste ranks third highest in Africa and due to its long lifespan, finding sustainable ways to reduce its usage is crucial for the health and safety of people in Ghana.

Beautiful Plastic Homes for a Low Price

In an interview with Voice of America, Boateng offers an inside look at the plastic brick manufacturing process and its final results. He showcases his home, which is built entirely from Nelplast bricks made of recycled plastic. Constructing a one-bedroom apartment with these bricks costs around $11,000, making it an affordable housing option for low-income families in Ghana.

Each home uses about 13,400 kilograms (approximately 29,542 pounds) of plastic. Boateng and his company developed these bricks by heating and compressing a blend of plastic and sand, creating durable materials that leverage plastic’s resilience against decay—a promising solution to Ghana’s housing shortage.

Boateng introduces an innovative solution for both the housing shortage and plastic waste problem, providing a hopeful path forward for affordable housing in Ghana.

– Madeline Star Heintz

Madeline is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Business and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr