By Environment, Science & Energy Desk
Accra, June 05, 2025 — Amid the rising sun and the rhythmic chirping of birds, 12-year -old Afia Mensah kneels beside a young mahogany sapling, cupping soil around its base. “This is my tree,” she whispered proudly. “I will take care of it like it is part of me.”
Across Ghana, thousands of children like Afia will be participating in the national “One Child, One Tree” under Tree for Life initiative, which marks this year’s World Environment Day — a global event themed, “Beat Plastic Pollution and Restore Our Earth.”
Backed by President John Dramani Mahama, the initiative aims to instill a culture of environmental stewardship in the country’s future leaders while tackling two pressing environmental challenges: plastic pollution and deforestation.
The Plastic Paradox
Ghana generates an estimated 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with only about five per cent recycled. The rest clogs gutters, pollutes rivers, suffocates marine life, and contributes to deadly flooding, especially in urban centres.
In response, the government, in collaboration with stakeholders, has developed a Plastic Waste Management Roadmap, part of which focuses on collecting single-use plastics and incorporating them into construction materials for housing and pavements.
In Accra, the Metropolitan Assembly has established plastic buy-back centres in key markets, offering residents token incentives to return used plastics.
Environmental start-ups are also transforming waste into paving blocks, school furniture, bags, buttons, and household items.
A significant breakthrough is the conversion of plastic bottles, once considered a burden, into yarn, thanks to a pioneering project supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented through UNIDO.
“Plastic pollution is not just an eyesore; it is a crisis,” says Professor Chris Gordon, an environmental scientist.
“It affects our health, economy, agriculture, and biodiversity. We need both behaviour change and systemic interventions.”
Still, experts caution that without strong enforcement, bans and recycling policies risk becoming symbolic.
“We need bold policies that regulate plastic production and distribution, not just post-consumer clean-up,” adds Dr. Agyekum, a researcher on circular economy solutions.
For Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, bans must be matched with realistic alternatives.
“Without viable substitutes, a ban could have dire consequences,” he warns.
He noted that government is prepared to expand plastic collection and recycling programmes to significantly reduce the menace.
Greening the Future — One Child at a Time
Even as Ghana battles its plastic problem, a new green movement is springing to life, beginning today, June 5.
At the heart of the One Child, One Tree campaign is a simple yet powerful idea: every school child plants and nurtures a tree.
Launched by President Mahama and championed by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), the Ministry of Education, and several environmental NGOs, the initiative seeks to plant over five million trees nationwide by the end of 2025.
“Children are powerful agents of change,” says Dr. Peter Dery, Director of Environment at MEST.
“By making them part of the solution early on, we’re sowing the seeds of long-term environmental responsibility.”
At Kwabenya Senior High School, a colourful ceremony will see hundreds of pupils gather under banners reading, “My Tree, My Future” to begin their tree-planting activities. While some will plant fruit trees like mango and guava, others will choose hardy shade trees such as neem and mahogany.
The programme is not a one-day event. Schools are incorporating tree care into the curriculum, with monthly lessons on watering, pruning, and learning about biodiversity and ecosystem services. Parents are encouraged to support children in nurturing their trees at home and in the community.
Looking Forward
As Ghana joins the global community to commemorate World Environment Day 2025, the message is resounding: the era of passive concern is over.
Action, especially community-driven and youth-led, is the new currency for environmental change.
From battling the scourge of plastic pollution to nurturing seedlings that will grow into towering canopies, Ghana is showing that a cleaner, greener future is possible when policy meets passion and education meets action.
Back in Accra, Afia Mensah gently waters her sapling before heading home.
“Someday,” she smiles, “this tree will give shade to someone else. That’s my gift to the world.”
GNA
05 June 2025
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong