Plastic Pollution Poses a Serious Threat to Our Safety: It's Time to Take Action
The ongoing battle between humanity and nature regarding plastic pollution, particularly in developing countries, cannot be overlooked. The situation in Ghana is alarming, and we seem to be on the verge of giving up the fight against the threats posed by plastic pollution. Clogged gutters and littered streets filled with single-use polythene bags, plastic bottles, and empty sachet water nylons clearly show that the government is struggling to combat this rising issue. But what would happen if we lose this fight?
History of Plastic Use in Ghana
The problem of plastic pollution didn’t start recently; it has gradually escalated over time. While it is unclear exactly when Ghana began producing single-use plastic bags, the infamous “Ghana Must Go” bags gained prominence in January 1983. At that time, the Nigerian government, led by President Shehu Shagari, ordered the deportation of illegal Ghanaian immigrants. The sudden nature of their departure forced them to purchase inexpensive polythene bags, which became known as “Ghana Must Go.” This high demand likely encouraged manufacturers to increase production.
Sachet water was introduced in Ghana around 2004 to provide the population with accessible safe drinking water. However, as sachet water became increasingly popular, single-use plastic carriers soon became a significant source of pollution, alongside the black polythene bags used for food packaging and shopping throughout the country. These non-biodegradable materials often end up in the ground and water bodies, posing serious health risks as they slowly infiltrate our food, crops, and bodies.
Data from different credible sources on the internet indicates that plastic pollution is worsening: the world produces twice as much plastic as it did two decades ago, with only 9 percent recycled. It is estimated that humans generate 460 million metric tonnes of plastic annually, much of which end up contaminating the environment—soil, rivers, and oceans. Plastics contribute to climate change, accounting for approximately 3.4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. Alarmingly, scientists have detected microplastics in food crops and noted rising levels of micro and nano plastics in human organs, including livers, kidneys, and brains.
In Ghana, an estimated 3,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste is generated daily, primarily comprised of both locally produced and imported plastics. Unfortunately, only 5 to 10 percent of plastic bags are recycled, with over 90 percent ending up in gutters, water bodies, or polluting the air when burned.
The Dangers of Plastic Pollution in Ghana
The real danger lies not in the plastics themselves, but in the failure to dispose of them properly after use. Research consistently shows that we have not yet found effective solutions for the disposal of polythene and plastic items. The situation is aggravated by the prevalence of single-use plastics, such as the widespread sachet nylon waste, bottled water, and the ubiquitous black polythene bags used for food packaging.
An article published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in August 2022, entitled “Environmental and Health Impacts of Open Burning,” highlights the dangers of burning plastic waste. The smoke produced from these materials contains harmful pollutants that adversely affect human health, causing respiratory diseases, coughing, headaches, and serious complications for individuals with asthma. In severe cases, exposure to this smoke can lead to lung cancer, lung infections, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and allergies.
Despite the existence of the Environmental Protection Agency Act, the Public Health Act, and local government by-laws aimed at protecting public health and the environment, the practice of open burning persists, even in the heart of Ghana’s capital, Accra. Violations of these laws can result in fines and imprisonment, but cultural attitudes often make it difficult for individuals to report neighbors who openly burn trash. We may be too caring for one another—leading to our own downfall—or too naïve to realize that breaking the law endangers others’ lives.
Solutions for Plastic Pollution in Ghana
An urgent solution to the plastic threat is essential to promote a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone. We cannot win the fight against climate change without making drastic decisions to halt the importation and production of these single-use plastics. The government, together with the Environmental Protection Agency, must encourage new businesses to venture into producing paper bags to replace the notorious black polythene bags that threaten our water bodies, crops, and food supply. The government of Kenya stopped the use of these single-use polythene bags, and the results so far are amazing and worth emulating.
Additionally, many people may be unaware of the laws prohibiting open burning. In this case, raising public awareness about these regulations could be a positive step. Encouraging community members to report such violations is equally important. Our clergy can spread awareness within their congregations about good practices and the perils of climate change until someone takes action. Educating the populace about these issues is crucial for creating a cleaner, healthier future.
Finally, losing the fight against plastic pollution is like trading today’s comfort for tomorrow’s gloom. We are happy today and that is all that matters. We don’t care what happens to us tomorrow as long as we are happy today. This must not be said of a thoughtful society with men and women who are capable of making a positive change in challenging times.
Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue — it’s a public health emergency. If we don’t act now, we risk trading today’s convenience for tomorrow’s destruction.
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This article is very educational
We all must join the fight against climate change
That’s the spirit we need to move away from talks into actions.
Thank you.
I think the awareness is a step….in 2023, there was a project on biodegradation of plastics, degrading the plastics was exhausting.
Secondly, I believe if our government and authorities can find a way to incorporate edible packages into the system through laws, it will be a game changer
Lastly, sanction! Sanction! Sanction!, is one of the ways to change the hearts of people
Great point there, Sir.
I own a school that practices recycling but we don’t get any company to pick up the bottles. Sometimes it pain to throw away.
We are looking for a manufacturing company that will pickup and give us what some proceeds of whatever they manufacture to stimulate the students to learn. We can even visit for educational purposes
I will get in touch and connect you with a company. I am currently working on that….