In February 2022, McKingtorch Africa made a bold mark in Ghana’s sustainability space by unveiling the first-ever bus shelter in Accra — and on the African continent — constructed entirely from recycled and upcycled plastic waste.
Commissioned at Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra, the shelter served as more than just a public structure; it was a proof of concept showcasing the power of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Made from a mix of recycled plastic beams, used car tires, gallons, burnt clay bricks, plastic bottle caps, and flip flop (locally known as Chale Wote), waste recovered from Sakumono Mighty Beach, and even included 3D-printed components. The shelter was solar-powered and featured two functioning clocks, merging functionality with environmental consciousness.
The proof-of-concept project emerged from a remarkable collaboration involving:
McKingtorch Africa (Project Lead)
Geodrill Ghana (Funding Partner)
Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly (Local Government Partner)
Academic City University College (Fabrication, 3D modeling & installation)
Pyramid Recycling (Plastic wood beam production)
Caveman Watches (Clock installations)
AB Solar Africa (3D display board)
Yielding Accomplished African Women (Volunteers who collected Chale Wote waste from Sakumono Mighty Beach)
The mission of the project was clear: to promote plastic innovation and alternative construction materials, encourage public-private partnerships, and advocate for environmental sustainability. It also aimed to assess how such structures perform under different weather conditions over a long-term use.
While the shelter was commissioned in 2022, many notable guest attended the official project signing and endorsement, including representatives from Voltic, Total Petroleum, Geodrill Ghana, the Ministry of Environment (MESTI), the Australian High Commission, YALI West Africa, Azuman Nelson, and other key institutions . This powerful presence demonstrated significant support for circular economy innovations in Ghana.
One year. One big idea. Endless possibilities. Looking back, this project stands as a powerful symbol of what is possible when creativity, collaboration, and commitment come together. Today, McKingtorch continues to explore new ways to transform waste into opportunities, sparking meaningful change across Africa.
