The Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GYEM) has issued a fervent call for a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, coinciding with World Environment Day 2025, themed “Ending Global Plastic Pollution.” GYEM emphasizes the urgency of addressing Ghana’s escalating plastic pollution crisis, which generates a staggering 1.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. The organization argues that this escalating environmental threat demands immediate and decisive action from policymakers, advocating for a collaborative approach involving government, industry, and citizens to implement effective solutions. GYEM’s call to action underscores the need for a comprehensive national strategy that prioritizes the ban of single-use plastics, fosters the adoption of sustainable alternatives, and safeguards Ghana’s natural environment for future generations. The movement’s appeal highlights the pressing need for collective responsibility and concerted efforts to combat the pervasive plastic pollution challenge.
GYEM’s proposed roadmap towards achieving a nationwide ban on single-use plastics by 2027 outlines a phased approach, targeting specific types of single-use plastics in stages. This strategic approach aims to minimize disruption to businesses and consumers while steadily transitioning towards more sustainable practices. The roadmap also emphasizes the importance of providing incentives to businesses that invest in the production of eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. Furthermore, GYEM advocates for capacity-building initiatives to empower local authorities with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively enforce the ban and manage plastic waste. This comprehensive strategy demonstrates GYEM’s commitment to a practical and sustainable transition away from single-use plastics.
The organization acknowledges the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent commitment to ban single-use plastics in designated areas, commending their initial steps towards addressing the issue. However, GYEM urges the EPA to expedite the legislative processes necessary to implement a comprehensive nationwide ban on harmful single-use plastics. This call for accelerated action reflects GYEM’s belief that a piecemeal approach is insufficient to tackle the scale of the plastic pollution problem. The organization insists on a swift and decisive national policy to effectively curb the detrimental impact of single-use plastics on Ghana’s environment and public health.
On World Environment Day, GYEM extends its call to action to all Ghanaians, urging them to unite in the fight against plastic pollution. The organization emphasizes the importance of a unified national voice to ensure that plastic pollution remains a top priority on Ghana’s development agenda. GYEM believes that collective action, combined with the political will to implement effective policies, is crucial to achieving lasting change. This appeal for public engagement underscores the organization’s belief that a national movement against plastic pollution can drive significant progress towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
GYEM’s commitment to combating plastic pollution extends beyond advocating for policy changes. The organization has been actively involved in mobilizing communities across Ghana, raising awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic waste, and equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to become environmental stewards. Through educational programs and community outreach initiatives, GYEM empowers individuals to take an active role in reducing plastic consumption and promoting sustainable practices. This grassroots approach highlights GYEM’s dedication to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and empowering future generations to become agents of change.
Looking forward, GYEM expresses confidence that with concerted collective action and the necessary political will, Ghana can emerge as a leader in the global fight against plastic pollution. The organization envisions a future where sustainable practices become the norm, plastic waste is minimized, and the environment is protected for future generations. This optimistic outlook reflects GYEM’s belief that by working together, Ghanaians can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for their nation.
