Sunyani: Plastic pollution is imposing a significant financial burden on Ghana, costing the nation approximately $6 billion each year. The country generates 1.1 billion tons of plastic waste annually, of which only nine percent is recycled, 41 percent is collected, and the remaining 50 percent remains uncollected, according to Mr. Richard Adjei-Poku, the Executive Director of Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG).

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Adjei-Poku highlighted the dire environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution, which include the contamination of water bodies, biodiversity loss, and an increase in greenhouse gases. The chemicals used in plastic production, such as Bisphenol A and Dioxin, pose severe health risks, including cancer, reproductive issues, and metabolic disorders.

LEG, a community-based NGO, is committed to environmental sustainability and socio-economic improvement of marginalized communities. The organization advocates for transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource use. Mr. Adjei-Poku called for collective action from NGOs, corporate bodies, and religious organizations to raise awareness about plastic pollution.

He also emphasized LEG's dedication to environmental restoration and its support for the government's Tree4Life Reforestation initiative, launched by President John Dramani Mahama. This initiative aims to restore Ghana's forests to provide essential resources and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Sustainable Cities and Climate Action.