How Much Is Ghana Losing to Plastic Waste? The Numbers Are Shocking
Ghana produces about 1.1 billion tonnes of plastic waste each year, but only a small amount is properly handled. According to Mr. Richard Adjei-Poku, Executive Director of Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG), only 9% of the waste is recycled, 41% is collected, and the remaining 50% is left uncollected.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Sunyani, Mr. Adjei-Poku revealed that Ghana spends close to $6 billion every year to clean up plastic waste. He explained that plastic pollution is not only expensive to manage but also has dangerous effects on the environment and people’s health.
LEG is a community-based non-governmental organization that works to protect the environment and improve the lives of people in underprivileged communities. Mr. Adjei-Poku said plastic waste pollutes water bodies, harms animal life, and adds to climate problems. He also mentioned that chemicals used in making plastics, such as Bisphenol A and Dioxin, are toxic and can lead to serious health issues like cancer, infertility, diabetes, and problems with the immune system.
He added that across Africa, around 17 billion tonnes of plastic waste are produced, costing the continent nearly $561 billion.
Mr. Adjei-Poku called on NGOs, corporate bodies, and religious groups to help raise more awareness about plastic pollution. He said LEG is dedicated to helping green the environment and restore forests, and it is ready to support the government’s Tree4Life Reforestation project.
The Tree4Life Initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, is aimed at restoring Ghana’s forests and helping the country meet global goals for sustainable communities and climate action.