Ghanaian researchers Messrs Michael Commeh, Isaiah Nimako and Nene Amoatey, from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), have developed a technology that converts waste plastic into fuel.

The fuels can either be petrol, aviation fuel or diesel, which they say is their focus for now.

The invention, which the researchers said has attracted Masters in Science (MSc) and Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) students, was developed using the “Reverse Function theory” and “Thermal Decomposition approach”.

The researchers believe that technology can be applied to e-waste to turn its plastic to fuel as well as retrieve gold, platinum, copper from electronic waste among others.

The invention would mark a new beginging to the discourse of creating a sustainable economy, one of the researchers, Michael Commeh hopes.

“This imperatively, calls for greater innovation and creativity, imagination, inspiration and the desire to passionately overcome these challenges will come from innovatively reframing problems into opportunities,” Commeh told Ghana News Agency (GNA) at a display of fuels from plastic waste at KNUST.

Isaiah Nimako, another research, also spoke of the project leaving a legacy that would radiate beyond the laboratory through social entrepreneurship approach and academic excellence.

“The research team sees waste as ‘money in transition’ and took the challenge in converting it into money, and plastic is one of them among others,” Nene Amoatey said while pointingout that plastic waste has been a global menace and an issue for discussions at various local and international conferences and platforms.

The researchers plan to set up plants throughout Ghana, and have called on donors and investors to partner with them in generating revenue from combating plastic waste menace.

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