‘Declare swift action to curb ‘galamsey’, plastic pollution’
ENVIRONMENTAL advocacy groups are raising serious concerns about the growing environmental and health risks facing Ghana if immediate action is not taken to curb pollution, particularly from plastic waste and illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The pressure on the government to declare a state of emergency to address these issues is mounting, as they continue to devastate the nation’s water bodies and threaten ecosystems.
The Crisis of Plastic Waste and Galamsey
Speaking on Zed in the Morning on Zed 101.9fm, Mr Andrews Akoto Addo, Ghana and West Africa Ambassador for Unleash Innovation Hub, highlighted the dire consequences of unchecked pollution.
“It’s a humongous issue,” he stated. “We are losing our aquatic life, which is under siege from the plastics that are flooding our water bodies. Our beaches are littered with plastics, and when you look into the ocean, you can see them staring right at you.”
He further stressed the combined threat of plastic pollution and galamsey, noting that both crises are intertwined. “While we are battling the galamsey crisis, plastic pollution has almost become another form of existential threat,” he added.
According to Akoto Addo, plastic debris is not only suffocating water bodies but also threatening Ghana’s food supply as marine life struggles to survive.
Calls for Urgent Action
Environmental groups, including the Clean Globe Foundation and Green Generation, are pushing for immediate government intervention. Samuel Hanson Galleh, CEO of Clean Globe Foundation, believes that plastic pollution presents a more immediate threat to Ghana’s environment and public health than galamsey. “Plastic waste is everywhere – in our drains, gutters, and most concerningly, in our water bodies,” he remarked.
Galleh called for more robust government policies and enforcement to tackle plastic waste. “Behavioral change is crucial. We need to educate Ghanaians on the harmful impact of littering and ensure they understand the existential crisis we face as a nation.”
The Role of Plastic Recycling
Despite the daunting challenge, some industry experts remain optimistic. Ofori Nana Emmanuel, CEO and Founder of Green Generation, sees a solution in investing in plastic recycling. “There’s an opportunity here to turn this crisis into an economic benefit for Ghana,” he said. “With proper recycling infrastructure, we can collect and repurpose plastic waste, turning it into a valuable resource.”
Emmanuel emphasized that while several recyclers have already begun efforts to manage the waste, more investment is needed to create a nationwide system that not only recycles plastics but also reduces the overall environmental burden.
Need for Stronger Infrastructure and Policies
Akoto Addo also pointed out the need for comprehensive waste management infrastructure. “In other countries, there’s an understanding that plastic cannot be mixed with other waste. We need similar systems here to separate waste at the source, especially in urban areas,” he suggested.
The advocacy groups are urging the government to prioritize waste management and environmental education. “It’s time for a cultural shift,” said Akoto Addo. “We must start with schools and communities, teaching people about the importance of keeping our environment clean. Only then can we hope to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution and illegal mining.” As the pressure on Ghana’s water bodies and marine life intensifies, environmental groups are united in their call for urgent government action. Without swift intervention, they warn, the country faces a potentially catastrophic environmental and economic crisis.
