By Daniel Agbesi Latsu, GNA
Kpeve (V/R), June 6, GNA-The South Dayi District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has marked the 2025 World Environment Day with a call on students to plant trees to replenish the lost vegetative cover.
At one of such event with Kaira Basic School students in Kaira, South Dayi District, Volta Region, Mr. Mathias Senam Segbefia, the NCCE District Director, told the students that World Environment Day, marked globally on June 5, is the United Nation’s flagship initiative for raising awareness and prompting action for environmental protection.
He stated that the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution” was a call on governments, institutions, and citizens to take bold collective action to combat plastic pollution through the principles of the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Mr. Segbefia explained that in line with its constitutional mandate under Article 233 of the 1992 Constitution and Act 452, the NCCE joined the global campaign by empowering children and youth across Ghana as civic champions of environmental stewardship.
The District Director noted that this year’s commemoration built on successful models such as the NCCE’s 2019 initiative, “A Clean Ghana, Our Responsibility”, and the innovative NCCE’s Civic Fest youth engagement strategy.
He said Plastic pollution was a global crisis affecting all countries, including Ghana.
Rapid urbanization, industrialization, and changing consumption patterns have exacerbated the country’s waste management challenges.
“It is estimated that, Ghana generates approximately 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with estimates of over 3,000 metric tons produced daily.
However, it is also estimated that only about 9.5 per cent of this waste is collected for recycling.
Most of it originates from disposable packaging and low-grade products, resulting in widespread environmental contamination”, he stated.
Mr. Segbefia added that as part of the NCCE’s environmental education efforts, children were being engaged in conversations about sanitation and responsible plastic use to encourage lasting lifestyle changes.
He said the children were introduced to the 3Rs, and taught the importance of waste segregation at home and in school.
The District Director stated that the pupils as active agents of change were encouraged to influence positive behavioural changes in their families and peers, and that maintaining a clean environment began with a change in mindset.
Mr. Peter Bansah, the Headmaster of Kaira JHS, commended the Commission for the thought-provoking educational talk and pledged to share the information accordingly.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie