The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Obuasi Campus has hosted the World Environment Day Grand Durbar and Awards, placing student innovation at the centre of Ghana’s fight against plastic pollution.

Held under the theme “Rethink Plastic Pollution. Act Now!” the event brought together students and staff from local senior high schools, KNUST faculty and students, Obuasi traditional leaders, and top officials from AngloGold Ashanti and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The event, held at the Obuasi Students' Centre (OSC), was co-organised by KNUST Obuasi, AngloGold Ashanti, and the EPA.

The durbar featured a high-stakes Student Innovation Pitch Competition, where teams proposed sustainable solutions for plastic waste management.

Three student groups from KNUST Obuasi and several high school teams presented to a panel of stakeholders for the chance to secure implementation support.

Team GNAJA proposed a drone-based system using photogrammetry and thermal imaging to map plastic waste hotspots. The project integrates data-driven waste collection with recycling initiatives aimed at producing road construction materials.

Team BUILD showcased an engineering solution that transforms plastic and metal waste into electricity-free exoskeletons to aid manual labourers. The innovation supports circular manufacturing while reducing workplace injuries.

Team MARS presented a multi-tier smart waste management model that combines household and municipal collection systems. Their goal is to convert plastic waste into building materials including bricks and tiles, turning pollution into infrastructure.

Organisers described the innovations as promising and viable, praising the students for applying science and engineering principles to urgent environmental issues.

“This gathering has shown what’s possible when academia, industry, and community come together with a shared vision,” said one EPA representative.

The event concluded with a call for greater investment in green technologies and support for grassroots environmental leadership.