Accra: The South Dayi District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has observed the 2025 World Environment Day by encouraging students to plant trees to restore the region's vegetative cover. At an event held with students from Kaira Basic School in the South Dayi District, Volta Region, Mr. Mathias Senam Segbefia, the NCCE District Director, highlighted the significance of World Environment Day. Celebrated globally on June 5, this initiative by the United Nations aims to raise awareness and prompt action for environmental conservation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Segbefia emphasized the theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution', urging governments, institutions, and citizens to take collective action against plastic pollution by adhering to the principles of the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. He noted that the NCCE, under its constitutional mandate, actively participates in this global campaign by engaging children and youth across Ghana as civic champions for environmental stewardship.
The District Director pointed out that this year's observance builds on successful past initiatives like the NCCE's 2019 campaign, 'A Clean Ghana, Our Responsibility', and the Civic Fest youth engagement strategy. He remarked that plastic pollution is a worldwide crisis impacting countries like Ghana, which faces challenges due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and changing consumption patterns.
Mr. Segbefia shared that Ghana generates approximately 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with over 3,000 metric tons produced daily. However, only about 9.5 percent of this waste is collected for recycling, primarily originating from disposable packaging and low-grade products, leading to environmental contamination.
He further explained that the NCCE's environmental education efforts involve engaging children in discussions about sanitation and responsible plastic usage to encourage lasting behavioral changes. Students are introduced to the 3Rs and taught the importance of waste segregation at home and school. As active agents of change, pupils are encouraged to influence positive behavior changes among their families and peers, understanding that maintaining a clean environment starts with a mindset shift.
Mr. Peter Bansah, the Headmaster of Kaira JHS, praised the Commission for the educational initiative and committed to disseminating the information shared during the event.
