The National Coordinator for the Environmental Care Campaign and the Agormanya Area Head of The Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Kojo Gakpetor, has said that the challenge with the disposal and management of plastic wastes in Ghana is not insurmountable but requires a concerted effort.
Delivering the keynote address at the grand durbar organised by The Church of Pentecost in partnership with the Pentecost Social Services (PENTSOS) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day, Apostle Gakpetor said: “We can change the narrative of the perennial flooding, dirty environment, choked gutters, degradation of land and ocean if we decide to devote concerted efforts.”
The Agormanya Area Head highlighted the economic repercussions of inadequate plastic waste management, including the high costs of clean-up operations, litter removal, repair and replacement of damaged fishing gear, reduced fishing catches, and a decline in coastal tourism.
He further drew attention to the environmental pollution caused by the open burning of plastics, releasing poisonous chemicals into the atmosphere and negatively affecting the health of humans and animals.
To overcome the plastic waste menace, Apostle Gakpetor stressed the importance of collaboration and collective effort by all stakeholders in dealing with the problem.
“We call on all governments and related ministries and agencies, churches, traditional rulers, waste management companies, as well as all other stakeholders to engage on how to deal with this menace. We should not just pay lip service to the World Environment Day but use the day to continue to raise awareness of the need to care for the Environment,” he said.
Apostle Gakpetor urged individuals to be responsible citizens and dispose of waste properly in bins with fitted covers.
He also called for the need for education on waste disposal and the need for segregation of waste at home, school, etc., especially as segregated plastics are in high demand by recycling companies.
The Agormanya Area Head further noted that The Church of Pentecost had taken proactive steps to address the plastic waste challenge, including Plastic Waste Recycling Project, which has now been launched in the various Pentecost schools.
He said the project, among others, aims to equip students with knowledge about the impact of plastics on the environment and encourage them to contribute to plastic reuse, reduction, and recycling efforts.
Some ministers of the Church, representatives from PENTSOS and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, as well as dedicated staff and teachers from PPS-Madina, PPS-Ashaiman, PPS-Bubiashie, and PPS-Tema, also participated in the event.
PENTECOST NEWS.