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NCCE marks Environment Day in Yilo Krobo, urges plastic ban

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, has marked this year’s World Environment Day with a call on communities to end plastic pollution and embrace the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” campaign.

Date Created : 6/16/2025 : Story Author : Kamal Ahmed/Ghanadistricts.com

Held in Somanya on the theme: “Ending Plastic Pollution: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” the event drew participation from school children, traditional authorities, assembly members, and local government officials.

Schools such as Larit Royal Schools, Somanya Methodist School, and Yilo State School, showcased their commitment to environmental sustainability through creative recycling projects.

Presiding over the programme, Mr. Edwin Yaw Tenge, the Presiding Member of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly, highlighted the alarming scale of plastic waste both nationally and locally.

“Ghana generates approximately 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste every year, with over 3,000 tonnes produced daily. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of this is recycled,” he said.

Mr. Tenge warned that if current trends persisted, plastics could surpass fish in the oceans within the next decade, exacerbating environmental degradation.

He also pointed out the hefty costs associated with waste management in the municipality, noting that funds spent on waste disposal could otherwise be channelled into education, health, and development initiatives.

“This is no joke. Every cedi spent on waste clearance is a cedi diverted from our future. It’s imperative that everyone takes responsibility to reduce plastic use,” he stated.

The celebration showcased innovative recycling initiatives by students, demonstrating how discarded plastics could be transformed into useful items such as handbags, purses, flower pots, toy tricycles, and pen holders - highlighting the potential of waste-to-resource projects.

Ms. Henrietta Glikpo, the NCCE Director of Yilo Krobo, underscored the importance of empowering young people to lead environmental change.

“Children must be at the forefront of this movement. By reusing plastic bags and practicing waste separation at school and home, they can influence their families and communities toward more sustainable habits,” she stated.

She urged educational institutions to incorporate sustainability practices into their daily routines to foster long-term environmental consciousness.

Divisional Queen Mother of Okper in Somanya, Manye Dede Nuerki Agor II, also addressed the gathering, warning against the indiscriminate disposal of plastics, especially into gutters, which could lead to stagnant water and mosquito breeding, major contributors to diseases like malaria.

She cautioned against wrapping hot foods such as banku in plastics, explaining that those practices were harmful not only to the land but also to human health.

“Tell your parents that plastics end up in our soil, crops, and ultimately, in our bodies,” she said.

A student participant, Claudia Oye, shared her enthusiasm about the event, remarking, “I’ve learned how to recycle and how small actions can help protect the environment. It was an eye-opening experience.”

The event ended with a renewed pledge from students, teachers, and officials to champion environmental sustainability within their communities, with the collective aim of building a cleaner, healthier Yilo Krobo for future generations.

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NCCE marks Environment Day in Yilo Krobo, urges plastic ban

Date Created : 6/16/2025 : Story Author : Kamal Ahmed/Ghanadistricts.com

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