Ghana generates nearly a million tonnes of plastic waste every year: Here’s how Ambitious Africa and our partners, Riverrecycle and Beach Cleanup Ghana are responding to this massive problem.

Did you know that Ghana faces a huge challenge with plastic waste, generating nearly a million tonnes of it every year?

To put that into perspective, that's an astonishing amount—equivalent to around 40 times the weight of the iconic Statue of Liberty!

This staggering statistic underlines the pressing issue of plastic pollution that Ghana grapples with on a daily basis. From the country’s lively city streets to its peaceful rural landscapes, the impact of plastic waste is felt far and wide, posing threats to the environment, wildlife, and overall well-being.

In the face of this challenge, individuals, groups, and organizations across Ghana are coming together, united in their efforts to combat plastic pollution and create a cleaner, healthier environment for all.

Among those leading the charge is the Ambitious Africa Ghana team, who have taken up this call to action with passion and dedication.

By organizing clean-up drives, educational campaigns, and community engagement initiatives, the Ambitious Africa Ghana team is making a tangible difference in the fight against plastic pollution.

In today's blog post, we have the privilege of speaking with Douglas from the Ambitious Africa Ghana office. He'll be shedding light on the extent of the problem and sharing insights into what the Ambitious Africa team is doing to rectify it.

Douglas Tabariyeng from the Ambitious Africa Ghana office.

1.                  Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at Ambitious Africa Ghana?

I am Douglas Tabariyeng, a young and passionate member of Team Ghana leading the charge as the community lead.  To me, every problem is just about finding the solution.

2.                 What inspired you to get involved in environmental conservation and the fight against plastic pollution? Is this something you feel called to do or was it accidental?

I have always been passionate about environmental conservation, and the fight against plastic pollution is particularly urgent.

It wasn’t accidental; rather, it was an opportunity presented to me through a collaborative project with Ambitious Africa, Riverrecycle, and Beach Cleanup Ghana.

Douglas speaking at an outreach event.

Our team played a crucial role in connecting Riverrecycle with local partners right here in Ghana, setting the stage for them to even consider Ghana as a viable location for their initiatives.

We didn't just wait for opportunities to come knocking; we took up the mission and hit the ground running. From initiating discussions with key stakeholders to facilitating meetings and building bridges between Riverrecycle and local organizations, we were at the forefront of making things happen.

This collaboration, involving Team Ghana, has brought us to where we are today. Seeing the impact of plastic pollution on ecosystems and communities motivates us to take action.

With the support of our team members, Mr. Eyram Twai (AG Country Lead) and Madam Jennifer Ohemeng (AG Operations Manager), we have been working through the Ambitious Ghana, Riverrecycle, and Beach Cleanup Ghana project since 2022 to make a difference.

3.                 How would you describe the extent of the plastic pollution problem in Ghana from your perspective? How bad is the problem truly?

From my perspective, the plastic pollution problem in Ghana is significant and alarming. It affects not only the environment but also public health and the economy. Plastic waste litters streets, clogs waterways, and contaminates soil, posing serious threats to wildlife and marine ecosystems.

The problem is exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure and limited public awareness about the consequences of plastic pollution. It's a multifaceted issue that requires comprehensive solutions and collaborative efforts from government, businesses, and civil society to address effectively.

4.                 What are the biggest problems Ghana faces in dealing with plastic waste? Isn’t the government helping?

Based on Ambitious Ghana’s community outreaches and sensitization programs—both online and in person through the streets, selected schools, marketplaces, and beaches—I can confidently say that the problem isn’t solely due to the government’s ignorance or inability but rather the attitudinal behavior of individuals who prioritize convenience.

One of the biggest challenges Ghana faces in dealing with plastic waste is the lack of comprehensive waste management infrastructure. This includes insufficient collection, recycling, and disposal facilities, leading to widespread littering and pollution. Additionally, there is a lack of public awareness about the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling.

Since the inception of this project, A.A Ghana has focused on education, one of our key pillars. We have visited over 50 schools, marketplaces, and beaches within the city of Accra, the capital of Ghana, to encourage people to unlearn bad habits and relearn good attitudes towards plastic pollution.

While the government has taken some steps to address the issue, such as implementing plastic recycling initiatives in some municipalities and institutions, enforcement and implementation have been inconsistent. Limited resources and competing priorities also hinder progress in tackling plastic waste effectively.

Overall, while there are efforts underway, more coordinated action and investment in waste management infrastructure are needed to address the plastic pollution problem in Ghana comprehensively.

Therefore, Ambitious Ghana and its team are forever grateful to Riverrecycle for extending their technology, resources, human capital, and, most importantly, funds to aid us in fighting this problem.

5.                  Have there been any notable successes or milestones achieved by the Ambitious Africa Ghana team in the fight against plastic pollution? Can you walk us through some of the clean-up drives or educational campaigns that the team has organized so far?

At the beginning of the project, one of the most important things Team Ghana identified was the need to start from the grassroots. We commenced our community outreach by organizing a town hall meeting, inviting all stakeholders within our communities, such as chiefs, assembly members, unit committee members, market leadership, heads of schools, beach management, and students.

Following the town hall meeting, we conducted follow-up visits to about 50 schools within Labadi, Techie-Nungua, and later visited 10 additional schools in Nima. During these visits, we educated, talked, and interacted with the students about the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling.

Our outreach team, comprising members from Ambitious Africa Ghana’s student wing at the University of Ghana, also visited beaches and marketplaces. During all our visits, we donated dustbins to help practice the seperation of waste.

At the end of each day, our partner Beach Cleanup Ghana collects the plastics. These efforts have been crucial in raising awareness and promoting better waste management practices in our communities.

At the moment, we've also initiated what we call the Community Buyback Center, where locals can bring in plastics in exchange for money. Additionally, we've joined forces with Riverrecycle and are actively working to clear the Kpeshi Lagoon.

9.         How can people outside of Ghana contribute to or support the efforts of Ambitious Africa Ghana in tackling plastic pollution?

We invite you to join us in our mission to tackle plastic pollution in Ghana. Here’s how you can help:

Donate: Your contributions can sustain and expand our initiatives, supporting educational campaigns, community outreach programs, and the provision of essential waste management infrastructure.

Form Partnerships: Collaborate with us. New partnerships with international organizations, businesses, and NGOs can bring in additional resources and expertise, helping us scale up our efforts and introduce innovative solutions.

Volunteer: Share your expertise in waste management, environmental education, or related fields. Virtual volunteering opportunities such as online workshops, educational content creation, and social media advocacy can also make a significant impact.

Raise Awareness: Help us spread the word. Share our mission and progress on social media, blogs, and other platforms. Increased visibility can attract potential donors and partners.

Advocate: Use your voice to advocate for international policies and agreements that support environmental conservation and plastic waste reduction. Your advocacy can influence larger systemic changes that benefit not only Ghana but the global environment.

Conclusion

The plastic pollution problem in Ghana is massive, but so is our determination to tackle it. With the help of our dedicated partners, Riverrecycle and Beach Cleanup Ghana, Ambitious Africa Ghana has been making remarkable strides through grassroots efforts, educational campaigns, and innovative waste management initiatives.

However, the challenge is too great for us to overcome by ourselves.

We need the support of individuals and organizations from around the world to help us create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone. Your contributions, partnerships, and advocacy are crucial in helping us expand our efforts and create a cleaner, healthier environment for everyone.

If you are interested in stepping up and joining our mission, please reach out to us at ghana@ambitiousafrica.org or douglastabs77@gmail.com . Together, we can make a lasting difference in the fight against plastic pollution.