More than 100 volunteers joined hands with the Indian High Commission in Ghana and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) last Saturday (Sept 20) to clean up the Laboma Beach Resort in commemoration of this year’s World Cleanup Day, the world’s largest civic action campaign tackling global waste.
The three-hour exercise, which yielded 10 tonnes of marine debris, was aimed at ridding the beaches of filth.
The debris collected included plastics, fabrics, metals, and other waste materials.
Before the collection of the debris, volunteers were taken through aerobic exercises to prepare them for the waste collection activity.
The exercise formed part of the High Commission’s social responsibilities and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Day
World Cleanup Day, observed annually on September 20, is a global event dedicated to tackling the world’s solid waste challenges, including plastic pollution and marine debris.
The Day, launched in Estonia in 2008, has grown into a global movement observed in more than 190 countries.
In December 2023, the United Nations (UN) officially recognised the day in its calendar of International Days and Weeks, underscoring its role in tackling global environmental challenges through community mobilisation.
Rationale
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the High Commissioner of India to Ghana, Manish Gupta, explained that the exercise was aimed at promoting a cleaner environment while showcasing Indian’s commitment to Ghana’s sustainable development.
He added that it was also part of efforts to raise awareness of environmental preservation and the impact of marine debris on oceans.
Mr Gupta expressed his excitement about joining the initiative, which aligned with global efforts to promote environmental cleanliness.
He underscored the importance of behavioural change regarding waste management, adding, “We must make it a behavioural change that comes as part of our lives.”
“We should work together to make this planet a better, healthier place for future generations,” he said, calling for collaborative discussions between India and Ghana on environmental sustainability.
The High Commissioner also addressed the pressing issue of plastic waste, sharing India’s initiatives to ban single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives.
“We are encouraging the use of recycled materials and discouraging plastic consumption,” he stated, adding that these measures were crucial for a country like his, with a population of 1.4 billion.
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