The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) in collaboration with Mensah Sarbah Hall, University of Ghana, the Norwegian Development Assistance Programme and the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre, has launched a project titled: “Marine Litter and Micro Plastics: Promoting the Environmentally Sound Management of Plastic Waste and Achieving the Prevention and Minimization of Generation of Plastic Waste”.
The launch included a test pilot of a new sachet water pouch that is both safe to consume and easily digestible. One of its main objectives is to introduce environmentally friendly packaging for food products as an alternative to single plastics.
Some participants at launch during the test pilot of an edible sachet water pouch
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Director of the Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS), Professor Kwasi Appeaning Addo thanked the Ministry for including the University of Ghana in the project and pledged the University’s support throughout its implementation. He indicated that with the improper disposal of plastic waste on the rise, the timely implementation of the project will go a long way toward mitigating the problem.
“Micro plastics are ending up in the soil each year, contaminating ecosystems and contaminating the environment. It is estimated that 86% of our plastic waste load is improperly disposed resulting in plastics clogging up our drains and ending up in oceans. The University of Ghana is happy to be associated with the project and looks forward to a successful implementation of this phase of the project” Prof. Appeaning Addo said.
Director of the Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, Professor Kwasi Appeaning Addo
The Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry, Mrs. Lydia Essuah applauded the entire leadership of Mensah Sarbah Hall for partnering on the project and also emphasised the importance of using alternative methods of plastic use such as paper bags instead of rubber bags.
“I believe the best step we as a people can take is to reduce the number of plastics we use, by considering alternatives such as card or paper that can easily decompose without compromising the quality of product on the environment,’ she noted.
Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Ministry, Mrs. Lydia Essuah
MESTI and its partners are excited to introduce more eco-friendly products that align with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: 'Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns.'
The Hall Master of Mensah Sarbah Hall, Dr. Roger Atinga lauded the Ministry and all Partners on the project and hoped that the project would, to a large extent, address various environmental problems, particularly among students.
A cross-section of participants at the launch
In attendance were representatives from the Basel, Rotterdam convention, Norplast, Environmental Protection Agency and residents of Mensah Sarbah Hall.
The School of Performing Arts also performed a sketch about the importance of using alternative sources of plastics in our daily lives.
