RUG Executive Director, Abdulrahim Shaibu-Issah unveils plans to tackle climate change and unemployment

At the recently concluded Recycle Up! Ghana (RUG) 10th Anniversary Summit, held at the ISSER Conference Facility, University of Ghana, Accra, Executive Director Abdulrahim Shaibu-Issah laid out a transformative vision for the next decade.

Addressing an audience of environmental advocates, climate entrepreneurs, and policymakers, Mr. Shaibu-Issah outlined RUG’s renewed commitment to addressing two of Ghana’s most pressing challenges—climate change and unemployment—through innovation, education, and empowerment.

Speaking on the theme “Journey Towards Sustainability: Reflecting and Celebrating 10 Years of Progress,” Mr. Shaibu-Issah emphasized the importance of fostering a circular economy and sustainable practices to create lasting impact. Over the past decade, RUG has empowered thousands of youth and women, trained over 500 informal waste pickers, and launched initiatives that address waste management challenges. “Our journey has demonstrated that local problems can only be solved with local solutions, and the youth are at the heart of this transformation,” he noted.

Empowering local solutions to climate change

He announced plans to expand RUG’s climate innovation programs, which focus on equipping young people with the tools to develop green businesses. A key highlight was the launch of the Nationwide Waste Education Campaign Handbook, a comprehensive guide aimed at promoting waste segregation and sustainable practices in schools and communities.

“Our strategy is simple but powerful,” he said. “We will continue to educate communities on waste reduction, incentivize recycling, and create sustainable business models that turn waste into wealth.”

Fighting unemployment through green jobs

Unemployment remains a major challenge in Ghana, and RUG plans to address it by supporting green job creation. The organization is spearheading initiatives to formalize the informal waste sector, helping individuals transition into stable employment through cooperatives and skills development programs. Over the next five years, RUG aims to create 300 additional green jobs and support the growth of 100 new green businesses led by youth and women.

“These efforts won’t just combat unemployment,” Mr. Shaibu-Issah stated. “They’ll also ensure economic resilience by linking environmental sustainability to livelihood creation.”

Next decade of impact

Looking ahead, the Executive Director expressed optimism about RUG’s ability to scale its impact. With a rebranded focus as RUG: Empower, Innovate, Sustain, the organization is set to expand its footprint across Ghana and collaborate with global partners to address environmental challenges.

“The next decade is about scaling our solutions, building partnerships, and ensuring that sustainability is at the core of Ghana’s economic growth,” he concluded.