The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) have jointly observed this year’s World Environment Day at the Nurumustafia Islamic School in Ashaiman with a call for urgent action against plastic pollution.

The event, held under the national theme: “Rethink Plastic Pollution: Act Now,” was aimed at highlighting the challenges of plastic pollution and equipping young children with the needed mindset to be change agents to address irresponsible plastic pollution in the country and be environmental advocates to discuss sustainable ways to protect the environment.

Mrs Sally Biney, Tema Regional Director of the EPA, stressed the urgent need to protect Ghana’s environment from degradation, especially through the responsible disposal of plastic waste.

Mrs Biney warned that unchecked plastic pollution posed a serious threat to aquatic life, revealing that available data indicated that by 2030, there could be more plastic in Ghanaian oceans than fish.

“We must change our attitude towards plastic use and disposal,” she said, adding that the time to act was now if Ghana wanted to preserve marine life and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

Ms Salvata Mawulom Koku, Ashaiman Municipal Director of the NCCE, underscored the importance of targeting school children in the fight against plastic pollution as children were key change agents who could influence their peers, homes, and communities.

Ms Koku reiterated that the NCCE would continue to sensitise the public on the dangers of plastic pollution, expressing the hope that instilling environmental consciousness in school children would lead to a generational shift in behaviour.

The event featured educational displays, clean-up exercises, and interactive sessions on the impact of plastic waste on the environment and health.

The EPA donated three dustbins to the school to help them segregate waste materials with a focus on keeping the environment safe at all times.