The Minister for Environment, Science Technology, and Innovation and MP for Sefwi Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie has said that there will be more plastics in the ocean than fish by the year 2050.
He said, According to a study by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World’s annual accrue of plastic waste was estimated at 100 million metric tonnes which 10 million metric tonnes habitually end up in the oceans.
Speaking at and event in Accra on 5th June, 2022 to mark World Environmental Day under the theme “Only One Earth” Dr. Afriyie highlighted that his ministry has come out with a preventive model which will delineate the country into grids for proper collection, storage and recycling of plastics.
This, he noted would also involve assigning public and private collectors to collect and store plastic wastes and implement a grid system of monitoring the collection and storing of the plastics.
“Plastic waste is a collective challenge that requires all and sundry to help fight plastic pollution. Rwanda was able to control plastic pollution based on attitudinal change and expect Ghanaians to change their attitude on indiscriminate disposal of plastic” Dr. Afriyie, said.
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
The United Nations, during the Stockholm Conference in 1972 proclaimed 5th June as the World Environment Day to highlight and create regular public awareness and education on emerging environmental issues.
The day also served as a powerful platform to engage people, communities, and governments around the world, and stimulate actions on critical environmental challenges facing the planet.
The International theme for the 2022 edition of the World Environment Day Celebration, “Only One Earth”.
BACKGROUND:
The day highlights the need for all to live sustainably in harmony with nature by birthing transformative changes through policies and our choices towards cleaner, greener and better lifestyles.
It is imperative to also note that, since its first celebration observed in the city of Spokane in USA, 1974 under the same theme:” Only One Earth”, this truth,“the planet is our Only Home”, still holds 48 years on as Sweden hosts this year’s Celebration.
STORY BY MICHAEL OFOSU-AFRIYIE, KUMASI.