As the world observes World Earth Day, the Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS) is urging immediate action to combat plastic pollution, which poses a significant threat to the environment. Highlighting Ghana’s plastic waste production of around 0.84 million tons per year, with an annual increase of 5.4%, the CCCFS emphasizes the pressing need to address this escalating issue.
The statement released by the CCCFS Executive Director, Mr. Mahmud Mohammed Nurudeen, underscores the severe environmental impacts of plastic waste, including pollution of oceans and waterways, detrimental effects on marine life, and contributions to climate change. Moreover, the statement highlights the risk to human health posed by plastic waste entering the food chain, particularly through the ingestion of microplastics by marine animals and potentially by humans.
Drawing inspiration from India‘s successful adoption of ceramic materials for drinking water, the CCCFS advocates for a return to traditional and sustainable practices, emphasizing Ghana’s past use of ceramics in the northern part of the country. By revisiting such practices, Ghana can reduce its reliance on plastics and mitigate the harmful effects of plastic pollution.
The CCCFS also stresses the importance of raising awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste among Ghanaians and calls for drastic reductions in plastic production by petrochemical companies. Immediate action is needed to address plastic pollution and adopt sustainable practices to protect the environment, human health, and the economy.
As a Ghanaian-based Non-Governmental Organisation committed to research, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing, the CCCFS aims to influence policy, support farmers, and empower communities in Africa to be climate-resilient and food-secure. Their call for urgent action on plastic pollution underscores the critical importance of addressing this global environmental challenge.
