A student of the SOS-Hermann Gmeiner International College, Edudzinam Barrigah, is spearheading an initiative to combat marine pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
As part of the initiative, he has partnered with his basketball team (Warriors) from the Community Youth Cultural Centre (CYCC) and undertaken a cleanup exercise at the Mighty Beach near the Regional Maritime Academy at Nungua over the weekend.
Speaking after the exercise, Mr Barrigah, who initiated the project, stated: “we chose this area because we realised how dirty it was and how it was filled with waste plastics.”
He explained that the cleanup did not only seek to clear plastics and waste from the beach making it pristine, but also aimed to prevent further harm to marine life.
Mr Barrigah further added that Ghana faced a significant waste management challenge, with improper disposal practices leading to pollution on both land, adding that waste dumped into gutters and drainage systems often ended up in the ocean, causing fishermen to catch plastics and other debris instead of fish.
“The initiative is a step towards mitigating this problem by directly removing waste from the beach and promoting responsible disposal habits,” Mr Barrigah said.
According to him, waste plastics collected would be handed over to a recycling company to be converted into useful items such as brooms, bins, and watering cans. Other waste materials would be given to a waste management company for proper disposal.
Despite the challenges faced during the cleanup, such as the continuous influx of waste from the sea and the difficulty in separating plastics from other rubbish, the warriors were determined to continue their efforts.
He said the team had plans to establish a Non-Governmental Organisation focusing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water), adding that the organisation would also tackle broader issues of plastic waste and improper waste disposal.
“We plan on educating the public about the impact of irresponsible waste disposal, especially plastics, and its effect on our environment, the team also intends to embark on a campaign in schools and on social media to spread this crucial message,” he added.
Mr Barrigah, however, called on individuals and organisations interested in environmental sustainability to join their cause by supporting the project. He revealed the next cleanup exercise scheduled to take place at the Labadi Beach in Accra.
BY STEPHANIE
BIRIKORANG