University of Ghana’s Director of Research and Innovation, Prof. David Doodo-Arhin, has highlighted the growing impact of university research, emphasizing that it is no longer confined to the shelves but is actively driving tangible change.
In an interview on Radio Univers’ Research and Innovation Agenda show on January 8, 2025, Prof. Doodo-Arhin discussed the Valoplastique Project, which focuses on turning plastic waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, benefiting both households and the automotive industry.
He stressed that the project, which engages local communities, allows people to witness firsthand how research transforms plastic waste into useful products, even if they don’t fully understand the scientific process behind it.
“Our research is no longer gathering dust on shelves. This project brings research closer to the people. We’ve engaged youth and local communities, many of whom may not fully grasp the science behind it, but they can see the process—the plastics, the machines, and the tangible impact.”
Prof. Doodo also connected the Valoplastique Project to the University of Ghana’s five-year strategic plan, which includes transforming the student experience, advancing impactful research, and fostering partnerships.
He underscored that he project gives students the opportunity to explore how science can be turned into real-world solutions.
“This project is highlighted in our strategic plan, playing a key role in providing transformative opportunities for students to engage with real-world issues.”
According to Prof. Doodo, the Valoplastique Project seeks to addresses the global plastic waste challenge by converting materials like sachets, PET bottles, and car tires into valuable fuels using pyrolysis, a process of heating plastics without oxygen.
“The process aims to convert plastic waste into high-value fuels and chemicals for household and automotive use. Plastics, including sachets, PET bottles, and even car tires, are collected, segregated, and processed through pyrolysis—a method of heating without oxygen, similar to charcoal production. This process transforms the plastics into vapor, which is condensed into various fuels, including diesel, petrol, and kerosene, depending on the material and temperature.”
Located at the Osu Alata Landing Beach in Accra, the pyrolysis plant is a collaborative effort involving the Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology at the University of Ghana, the French Embassy in Ghana, Dr. Zenator Agyemeng Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, and the Osu Alata Traditional Council.
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Story by: Abdul Razak Wahab | univers.ug.edu.gh
