Accra: Dr. Ebenezer Laryea, Associate Professor for Sustainable Development at the University of Northampton, UK, has called for a significant reduction in plastic use to safeguard the environment and public health. Addressing a stakeholder workshop in Accra, Dr. Laryea underscored the detrimental effects of plastic waste on agriculture and the environment, noting that Ghana collects approximately 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually but recycles only 9.5% of it.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Laryea, who also serves as the Director of Fresh Produce Impact Hub (FRESHPPACT), urged for a concerted effort and dialogue among participants in the plastic production chain. The workshop, attended by key stakeholders including fruit juice manufacturer Blueskies and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), aimed to deliberate on plastic waste management strategies and to formulate recommendations for enhancing the efficiency of existing policies in Ghana.
Experts at the works
hop advocated for individual actions such as using reusable bags, containers, and water bottles, opting for products with minimal packaging, avoiding microbeads and single-use plastics, and promoting recycling and composting to mitigate the impact of plastic waste on humanity. Ms. Mary Aka, Head of Internal Audit on Environment, Health, and Safety at Blue Skies, shared initiatives by the company to minimize plastic waste, including encouraging customers to return used bottles for recycling.
Mr. Thomas Narh Korley, Coordinator of the Zoomlion Foundation, highlighted the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility in young people towards sustainable plastic waste management practices. He proposed organizing similar workshops and seminars for students and youth nationwide.
The workshop brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, civil society, the private sector, and environmental activists. Participants engaged in focused discussions on alternatives to plastics, economic mecha
nisms, regulatory frameworks, international standards, education, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation.
Scientific insights shared during the event highlighted the grave impact of plastics on the environment, human health, and the economy. Plastics account for 80% of marine pollution, adversely affecting marine life and ecosystems. The production of plastics releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change, while plastic waste pollutes oceans, rivers, and landscapes, disrupting wildlife habitats. Microplastics, when ingested by marine life, pose risks to human health upon entering the food chain.
Plastics contain toxic chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and PFOS, which are linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological problems in humans. The ingestion of microplastics through food, water, and air further threatens human health, exacerbating respiratory conditions and increasing cancer risks. Moreover, plastic chemicals are known to disrupt hormonal balances, impacting human devel
opment and reproduction.
Economically, the global cost of managing plastic waste runs into billions annually, as most plastic products are non-biodegradable.