The Anloga District in Ghana buzzed with environmental awareness activities on World Environment Day, spearheaded by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Forestry Commission. The collaborative program, themed “Ending Plastic Pollution Through the 4R Principles,” unfolded at the Gloryland Global Evangelical Church Auditorium and extended its reach to the Avete D.A. Basic School campus. The initiative sought to underscore the critical importance of environmental preservation, focusing particularly on the pervasive problem of plastic pollution, which poses a significant threat to the district’s primary economic drivers: fishing and farming. This community-driven endeavor brought together local leaders, government officials, educators, and students, fostering a collective commitment to safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.
The collaborative program opened with a symbolic act of environmental stewardship: a tree-planting exercise at the Avete D.A. Basic School. Dignitaries and students alike participated in planting coconut, royal palm, and mahogany trees, marking the occasion with a tangible demonstration of their commitment to a greener future. This hands-on engagement underscored the vital role trees play in environmental sustainability, absorbing carbon dioxide, providing oxygen, and bolstering biodiversity. The tree planting was more than a symbolic gesture; it represented a long-term investment in the health of the environment and served as a practical lesson for the students on their role in preserving natural resources.
Togbi Hatsu III, District Director of NCCE Anloga, set the tone for the day with a poignant address that highlighted the devastating consequences of plastic pollution on the local economy and ecosystem. He emphasized how plastic waste directly impacts the district’s core industries, fishing and farming, disrupting the delicate balance of the natural world. A crucial message of his speech revolved around the 4R principles: Reject, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – a practical framework for individuals to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their daily lives. He underscored the remarkably long decomposition period of plastic, urging the community to embrace alternatives such as paper and cloth bags to reduce the burden of plastic waste on the environment.
Reinforcing the theme of environmental guardianship, Mr. Eric Atta Kusi, Manager of Operations at the Forestry Commission Headquarters, expanded on the invaluable role trees play in sustaining life and ensuring ecological balance. He warned against the indiscriminate felling of trees, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the dire consequences of unchecked deforestation. His powerful message resonated with the audience, particularly the students, inspiring them to actively participate in tree planting and nurturing, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment. Mr. Kusi’s message served as a stark reminder of the delicate balance of the ecosystem and the critical need for proactive measures to protect our natural heritage.
The program transcended lectures and symbolic gestures, incorporating creative expression to amplify its environmental message. Students from three local basic schools presented impactful performances that showcased their understanding of the issue and their commitment to finding solutions. Through inspiring poems and a thought-provoking drama performance, the students highlighted the far-reaching effects of plastic pollution on various aspects of life, from farming and fishing to health and child development. The Avete D.A. Basic School’s drama performance was particularly noteworthy, skillfully connecting environmental degradation with broader moral and spiritual concerns, portraying a holistic view of the interconnectedness of all aspects of human existence.
Concluding the program, Madam Sandra Seyram Awushie Kpedor, Anloga District Chief Executive, commended the students for their active participation and compelling performances. She encouraged them to become ambassadors of environmental awareness, extending the message beyond the confines of the event to their families and the wider community. Ms. Kpedor inspired the students, particularly the girls, to strive for academic excellence and leadership, envisioning them as future professionals and decision-makers who can champion environmental protection in their respective fields. Her message went beyond mere tree planting, urging the students to become true custodians of the environment, actively nurturing and ensuring the survival of the trees they planted, symbolizing a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. The event culminated in the presentation of certificates of participation to the schools by the NCCE Anloga District, formally recognizing their contribution to the day’s success and further encouraging their continued engagement with environmental stewardship.
