NCCE Urges Plastic Ban in Yilo Krobo on Environment Day

Somanya: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Yilo Krobo Municipality has marked this year's World Environment Day with a call for communities to end plastic pollution and embrace the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' campaign. The event, held in Somanya under the theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,' attracted school children, traditional authorities, assembly members, and local government officials.According to Ghana News Agency, schools such as Larit Royal Schools, Somanya Methodist School, and Yilo State School showcased their commitment to environmental sustainability through creative recycling projects. Mr. Edwin Yaw Tenge, the Presiding Member of the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly, presided over the programme and highlighted the alarming scale of plastic waste in Ghana, with approximately 840,000 tonnes generated annually and over 3,000 tonnes daily. He warned that plastics could surpass fish in the oceans within the next decade if current trends persist, worsening envi ronmental degradation.Mr. Tenge also pointed out the high costs associated with waste management in the municipality, noting that funds spent on waste disposal could otherwise support education, health, and development initiatives. He emphasized the importance of reducing plastic use to save resources for the future.The celebration featured innovative recycling initiatives by students, demonstrating how discarded plastics could be transformed into useful items like handbags, flower pots, and pen holders, showcasing the potential of waste-to-resource projects. Ms. Henrietta Glikpo, the NCCE Director of Yilo Krobo, highlighted the importance of empowering young people to lead environmental change by reusing plastic bags and practicing waste separation.Divisional Queen Mother of Okper in Somanya, Manye Dede Nuerki Agor II, addressed the gathering, warning against the indiscriminate disposal of plastics into gutters, which could lead to stagnant water and mosquito breeding. She also cautioned against wrappi ng hot foods in plastics, as it is harmful to both the land and human health.Student participant Claudia Oye shared her enthusiasm, stating that the event was an eye-opening experience that taught her the importance of recycling and small actions in protecting the environment. The event concluded with a renewed pledge from students, teachers, and officials to champion environmental sustainability within their communities, aiming to build a cleaner, healthier Yilo Krobo for future generations.