Ghana Entrepreneur Transforms Plastic Waste Crisis into Durable School Desks

Ghana’s fishing industry and environment face mounting threats from plastic pollution, with over one million tons of plastic waste generated annually – and less than 10 percent recycled. Despite government efforts since 2019, including a national plastic management policy and public-private partnerships, progress remains slow.

In Accra, entrepreneur Makafui Awuku is turning this environmental challenge into opportunity. After developing asthma from inhaling toxic fumes of burning plastic, Awuku founded Mckingtorch Africa in 2017, a social enterprise committed to a 100 percent circular system that repurposes plastic waste into durable school furniture.

As Ghana plans to phase out wood in school furniture to curb deforestation, Awuku’s workshop converts discarded plastic bottles, wrappers, and bags into resilient school desks designed to last over 30 years. This innovation addresses both plastic pollution and the critical shortage of school desks – currently over two million units needed nationwide.

“Children shouldn’t sit on bare floors while the streets overflow with trash,” Awuku says. Since launching production earlier this year, Mckingtorch has delivered around 200 desks, producing 30 desks monthly, mostly funded by corporate sustainability initiatives.

However, financing remains a hurdle. Ghana’s banks lack green financing incentives, and environmentally focused ventures face high-risk perceptions.

A recent US$50,000 government grant aids Awuku’s expansion, but deeper support – such as tax breaks and affordable credit—is vital.

With 50 employees and numerous plastic drop-off points nationwide, Awuku calls on policymakers to accelerate progress through targeted support for green social enterprises. “Fee waivers and incentives can help create more jobs and fast-track environmental impact,” he emphasizes.