Frimpong-Manso Institute Urges Government Action to Combat Plastic Pollution
As the world marks World Environment Day today, the Frimpong-Manso Institute (FMI) is calling for urgent and concrete measures to tackle the growing menace of plastic pollution in Ghana.
In a statement signed by Dr. George Manful, Thematic Chair for Environment and Sustainability at FMI, the institute emphasized the grave impact of plastic waste on public health and the environment.
It noted that plastic pollution has remained a top global concern, with the themes for World Environment Day in 2018, 2023, and now 2025 all centred on the issue.
The Institute highlighted findings from a recent international study, which revealed that micro- and nanoplastics were found in the brain, liver, and kidneys of deceased individuals, with the brain showing the highest concentrations.
Alarmingly, these plastic particles have also been detected in human placentas, fetuses, and breast milk.
Locally, FMI expressed concern over Ghana’s inadequate waste management systems, which have led to widespread open burning of plastic waste and the accumulation of plastic debris in the environment. With less than 10% of plastic waste collected and recycled, the Institute warned that Ghana is contributing significantly to the pollution of the Gulf of Guinea.
The statement also pointed out that while 35 African countries have enacted punitive legislation against single-use plastics, Ghana remains one of only four countries in West Africa — alongside Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea — yet to implement such laws.
“Although Ghana has a strong track record in environmental governance, the country is lagging behind when it comes to plastic pollution control. Our cities, towns, and villages are increasingly overwhelmed by plastic litter,” the Institute stated.
To address the crisis, FMI outlined four key recommendations, the Institute urged government to move beyond policy rhetoric and begin effective implementation of the existing strategy, which remains largely unexecuted.
It further called on the government to join ongoing international efforts by introducing a legally binding national instrument to phase out short-lived and single-use plastics.
The Institute however recommended boosting the capacity of metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies to manage plastic waste, with collaboration from all relevant stakeholders.
It also urged that schools should incorporate environmental education into their curricula to raise awareness among students about the dangers of plastic pollution and the need for sustainable alternatives.
The statement concluded with a hopeful appeal: “Trusting in the Lord for His divine support. Amen.”
World Environment Day 2025 is themed around plastic pollution for the third time in recent years, underlining the urgency of coordinated global and national action to address one of the planet’s most pressing environmental threats.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
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