TLF, UNDP launched gef SGP Project to achieve zero plastic waste management

Acting Director of Internal Communication of the Environmental Protection Agency Madam Helen Asiamah has urged the public to refrain from the indiscriminate dumping of plastic wastes into gutters. According to her, such behavioural patterns of consistently dumping plastic wastes chocks our gutters causing flooding, leading to loss of lives and property.

Speaking dung the launch of Religious Leaders and Stakeholders Advocacy on Plastic Waste Management by The Light Foundation in partnership with UNDP under gef SGP Project to achieve zero plastic waste management in Accra on Thursday 9 June 2022 Acting Director of Internal Communication of the Environmental Protection Agency Madam Helen Asiamah said “Let’s separate plastic waste from other wastes and reuse plastic wastes. We must collaborate with the MMDAs to manage wastes in Ghana”.

Contributing to the discussion, Spokesperson of National Chief Imam Sheikh Aremeyaw Shaibu said “Both domestic and industrial operations generate plastic waste. People sell food closed to wastes. Our water bodies are filled with plastic affecting acquatic life”.

For Sheikh Aremeyaw, “Our behaviour must change towards accumulation of wastes. It’s in the Quran that anything that endanger lives must be fought and I must add that National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr. Nuhu Sharabutu is in support of this programme on zero plastic management”.

CEO of The Light Foundation Sheikh Ali Abubakar Napari said “As you all know the use of plastic wastes affect our environment and must be managed well. My special thanks to Assembleyman who help mark World Ocean Day at Labomah Beach and made time out of their busy schedules to attend the launch of this project”.

Representative of Korley Klotey Municipal Assembly Victor Acquaye has proposed that management of synthetic plastics must be considered. We cannot do away with plastic because plastic consumption will rise. There must be a dedicated attempts to ensure assemblies handle awards of contracts to experts on collection of plastic wastes where they will focus on receptacles usage”.

He wants passage of a new law and enforcement to ensure strict adherence to collection of rules and regulations from generation to collection. Assembly can employ dedicated persons to collect plastic wastes.

Meanwhile, National Coordinator of UNDP Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme Mr. George Orstsin said “Plastics is our friend but must be handled well and with care so that it doesn’t lead to degradation of the environment. We must look for alternative ways of plastic usage. We are calling for a change in behaviour when it comes to plastics and usage. Let’s use the mosque, churches to preach and change people’s behaviour towards plastics”.

Mr Orstsin noted that “We are willing to support the informal sector who are committed to good plastic usage, we’ll support any Assembly that wants to push for legislation to accomplished zero waste management agenda”.

The Light Foundation and UNDP gef SGP Project to achieve zero plastic waste management was participated by Imams, Chiefs, pastors, leaders of youth groups, women groups, Assemblymen from Osudoku, Osu Alata, La Kpana, Labomah, Abese/Abafum, Adabraka, representatives from Korley Klotey Municipal Assembly, Apaapa, Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Scienc, Innovation and Technology, and UNDP.