This conference, which brought together leaders from engineering, construction and infrastructure sectors around the world, focused on the theme, “Transforming Lives with Infrastructure: Investing in and Building a Better World for All.”
The project was highlighted by Ing. Felix Atsrim, Managing Director of FeDems Limited, a Ghanaian engineering consultancy firm involved. His presentation, titled “Keeping the Menace at Bay: A Sustainable Approach to the Kpone Landfill Decommissioning,” outlined the project’s achievements.
The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources has called for the permanent closure of the Kpone Landfill, a municipal solid waste (MSW) dump located along the Tema Coastal Area in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Spanning four cells and covering approximately 16 hectares (40 acres), the landfill underwent a thorough assessment by key leaders, which included input from the local community. The ClosureTurf® system—a three-layer geosynthetic turf cover—was selected for the final landfill cover. This innovative system, consisting of a structured geomembrane, an engineered synthetic turf with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) grass blades and a defined aggregate ballast, was chosen over traditional cover methods to demonstrate the sustainability of geosynthetics in Ghana and facilitate transfer alternative coverage technologies.
Executed by Zoomlion Ghana Ltd (part of the Jospong Group) in collaboration with both local and international partners, the Kpone Landfill Decommissioning Project was recognized for its significant strides in environmental restoration and sustainable development. This initiative successfully transformed the previously troubled Kpone Landfill into a green space, using advanced engineering solutions.
The collaboration between Jospong Group, FeDems Limited, Construction Ambassadors, Watershed Geo (USA), Hallaton (USA) and other partners effectively addressed the landfill’s environmental and public health issues, setting a new standard for waste management and land remediation in the area.
In his presentation, Ing. Atsrim highlighted the critical role of strong partnerships between government agencies, private sector companies and local communities in achieving such transformative outcomes. He presented the Kpone project as a prime example of how infrastructure development can address pressing challenges such as climate change, urbanization and public health.
Conference participants, including representatives from leading global engineering firms, government agencies and international organizations, praised the Kpone project as a model for other nations facing similar environmental issues. The success of the project highlights the essential role of infrastructure in improving lives and promoting a better world.
As the conference concluded, the Kpone landfill decommissioning project was celebrated as an exemplary case of sustainable development through engineering, garnering significant global recognition for the Jospong Group of Companies, FeDems Limited and the Government of Ghana.
“We are extremely proud of this project and the recognition it is receiving,” said CEO Mike Ayers. “It exemplifies the result of global entities working together to make strides in humanitarian efforts. Our partners in this project are leading change with the latest effective technologies that improve infrastructure and human safety around the world.”
The Kpone Landfill is the first in Africa to be closed using ClosureTurf technology, while other ClosureTurf projects are now in various stages of development at landfills on several continents.
About the Watershed Geo
Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Watershed Geo develops intellectual property and provides technical solutions for ongoing urban, environmental and renewable energy infrastructure challenges. Watershed’s products solve a range of issues in industries such as geotechnical engineering, waste management, erosion control and renewable energy. Watershed’s proprietary technologies include ClosureTurf® for final closures of municipal, industrial and residual coal burning landfills. Advanced HydroTurf® liner technology for high hydraulic shear protection. PowerCap™ solar technology for beneficial reuse of landfills. For more information, visit www.watershedgeo.com.