By Isabella Agyakwa
Jekora Ventures Limited (JVL) has been honoured for its commitment to waste management by way of its social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At the just-ended Invest in Africa’s (IIA’s) 3rd SME Excellence Awards, the company was recognised with the Sustainability Business of the Year Award.
The award recognises the business that is committed to the triple bottom line, that is advancing the interests of people, planet and profit through innovative practices, products, and services.
Initiatives
Receiving the award, the administration manager of Jekora Ventures Limited, Felix Laryea, said it was no surprise that his company won the award.
According to him, management of the company is continuously trailblazing innovative products, practices and services which support the organisation’s sustainability agenda.
He said the company has undertaken a number of initiatives as part of the efforts to tackle the current waste management challenge in the country.
These include source segregation of waste and recycling programme, public education and sensitisation through drama series (Woaa Hwe – aired on EBN TV) and community outreaches with the local authorities to change attitudes and behaviours, and manufacturing Fortifer compost and JV compsoil, using liquid and solid waste to produce a rich-in-nutrient soil conditioner for Africa’s depleted soils.
Trusted model
Mr Laryea further indicated that Jekora’s business model has been tested and proven to be resilient and sustainable, with the benefit of waste diversion from the landfill, recycling, creating second revenue stream and the application of local appropriate technology and innovation.
“I therefore urge MMDAs, government agencies, policy makers and relevant stakeholders to adopt and replicate such local sustainable businesses in addressing the current waste management challenges,” he said.
Invest In Africa’s third SME Excellence Awards was under the theme, “Preparing local businesses for the regional market opportunities #AfCFTA ready.”
The event was organised in collaboration of private companies, public bodies and donor organisations that support local African businesses through the creation of access to markets, skills and finance.
With members such as Tullow Oil, Ernst and Young, Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), African Development Bank (AfDB) and UK Aid, IIA’s priority is to increase the linkages between large international and domestic companies and smaller local business and increase access to skills, markets and finance.
