The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to educate the public on proper waste disposal and segregation practices.
In a press statement to commemorate the 2023 World Environment Day signed by the Minister for Environment, Dr Kwaku Afriyie stressed the private sector’s need to work hand in hand with government in the fight to create long-lasting solutions to reduce plastic pollution.
It urged residents to participate in cleanup efforts and to take steps to minimize, reuse, recycle, and reclaim their garbage.
According to the Ministry, there is a need to adhere to some basic observations to provide solutions to plastic pollution, and the call is for individuals within institutions, MMDAs, MDAs, to unite as a nation in playing effective roles in managing plastic wastes to protect our environment and achieve greener and better lifestyles.
“To appreciate this year’s theme, there’s a need for collaboration between governments, private sector organisations and individuals to effectively provide long-lasting solutions to combat the threats posed by plastic pollution to both our health and the environment. For us as individuals, institutions, communities, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and as a nation, we are therefore called upon to unite in playing effective roles toward managing plastic waste to protect our environment and achieve greener and better lifestyles,” it stated.
Adopting the slogan “Beat Plastic Pollution,” the Ministry encouraged Ghanaians to use the Day as a catalyst for social change, reject single-use plastics and chart a path to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for the present and future generations.
Since 1975, the United Nations has designated June 5th as World Environment Day. The Day’s 50th anniversary will be held in Cote d’Ivoire in collaboration with the Netherlands, which is particularly one of the countries adopting ambitious action along the plastic life-cycle.
The event has evolved to become the world’s largest venue for environmental outreach, and it has been chosen to raise public awareness and action on environmental concerns. The celebration’s goal is to raise public awareness and education about emerging environmental issues on a regular basis, to serve as a powerful platform to accelerate, amplify, and engage people, communities, and governments around the world; and to stimulate action on critical environmental challenges facing the planet.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
