President John Dramani Mahama has emphasised the need for collective action to address the growing problem of plastic pollution in Ghana. Speaking on World Environment Day 2025, Mahama highlighted the devastating impact of plastic waste on the environment, including clogged gutters, polluted farmlands, and choked urban streams.
Mahama launched a nationwide program that aims to engage every school-aged Ghanaian child in planting and nurturing at least one tree. The program is expected to result in tens of millions of trees planted by 2030. The policy requires manufacturers and importers to take responsibility for the life cycle of the plastics they produce and place on the market.
The strategy aims to reduce the amount of plastic that enters landfills by 60% by 2030 and implement mandatory waste separation in major municipalities. Local governments are piloting source separation schemes, and recycling rates have tripled in some areas. Entrepreneurs are converting used plastics into building materials, textiles, and fuel briquettes.
Mahama emphasised the need for public policy to align with citizen action to achieve meaningful results. He called on Ghanaians to work together to address the plastic pollution crisis and restore harmony with nature.
By: Fada Amakye
