Adwoa Safo

Ghanaian environmental scientist leading Africa's plastic recycling revolution through community-driven solutions

Introduction

Adwoa Safo (b. 1988) is a Ghanaian environmental engineer behind GreenWave Ghana, a social enterprise that has recycled 20 million kg of plastic waste since 2016. Her innovative Plastic-to-Pavers technology converts ocean plastic into construction materials, creating jobs for 3,000+ women in coastal communities. Featured in National Geographic's 2020 Plastic Solutions Report, her work has diverted 40% of Accra's marine plastic waste from landfills.

Scientific Background

After earning a PhD in Materials Science from MIT (2015), Adwoa returned to Ghana motivated by the 2014 Accra River plastic crisis. Her 2016 research paper in Science Direct revealed Ghana's plastic waste growing at 10% annually. This led to her 2017 TEDx Accra talk 'Turning Trash into Treasure' that raised $200k in seed funding.

Innovative Technologies

GreenWave's patented process turns plastic waste into:

• Durable road pavers (used in 50+ Ghanaian towns)
• Solar-powered streetlights (90% cheaper than traditional materials)
• Reusable packaging for local businesses

Her 2019 partnership with UNEP expanded operations to Senegal and Ivory Coast. A 2022 Bloomberg analysis estimates her methods reduce plastic-related CO2 emissions by 15,000 tons annually.

Social Impact & Recognition

Adwoa's Women in Plastic Solutions initiative trains marginalized women in recycling techniques. In 2021, she won the European Green Award and became youngest African to join Rockefeller Foundation's 100-Cities Climate Network. Her vision: 'Sustainable development must create both environmental and economic value.'