Plastic pollution is a global issue that has detrimental effects on our environment and economy. In Ghana, the cost of plastic pollution is staggering, with the country spending close to $6 billion every year to clean up the 1.1 billion tons of plastic waste generated annually. This expensive cleanup effort is not sustainable, especially when only nine percent of the waste is recycled.
Mr Richard Adjei-Poku, the Executive Director of Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG), shed light on the alarming statistics during an interview with the Ghana News Agency. According to him, the country’s inefficient waste management system results in 50 percent of plastic waste remaining uncollected, leading to polluted water bodies, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gases.
The economic impact of plastic pollution goes beyond just the cleanup costs. In Africa alone, it is estimated that the continent generates about 17 billion tons of plastic waste, costing a total of $561 billion. This is a significant amount of money that could be invested in other essential areas such as healthcare and education.
It is clear that urgent action needs to be taken to address plastic pollution in Ghana and across the continent. By increasing recycling efforts, implementing effective waste management systems, and raising awareness about the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, we can work towards a cleaner, healthier future for all. LEG, as a community-based organisation, is at the forefront of advocating for sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Let us all do our part to reduce plastic pollution and protect our planet for future generations. The cost of inaction is simply too high to
Ghanaflare.com
