Ga traditional leaders have raised concerns over the worsening plastic pollution crisis in Accra, warning that the growing waste problem is damaging the environment, affecting public health and putting the livelihoods of fishing communities at risk.
The Highest Chief Priest of the Ga State, Nuumo Akwaa Mensah III, said the situation had become particularly alarming as plastic waste continues to find its way into the marine environment, contributing to declining fish catches and increasing the cost of fishing.
He noted that fishermen were spending money on fuel only to return from fishing expeditions with little or no fish, while large quantities of plastic waste were being retrieved from the sea.
“We must identify the source of the plastics. A lot of NGOs have come to help solve the situation, but it remains a problem. We’ve tried the MMDAs and other local authorities, yet we have not seen any progress. The situation has to be seen as a national responsibility because its impact affects everyone. Fishermen waste fuel and do not even catch one ton of fish when they go fishing,” he said.
Nuumo Akwaa Mensah III further urged stakeholders to promote environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic packaging, commending businesses that have started using paper bags and wooden cutlery.
He also called for greater accountability from companies involved in the production and distribution of plastic materials, arguing that they should be part of efforts to address the waste crisis.
“We should come face to face with the producers of plastic waste to find a solution. Most hotels are now introducing paper packs and wooden cutlery, which I believe is a much healthier alternative to plastic. We must all try to adopt them instead of takeaway packs and rubbers,” he added.
The Chief Fisherman of the Ga State, Nii Abeo Okyerekuanda V, similarly appealed for urgent national action to tackle plastic pollution and its effects on fishing communities, particularly in James Town.
Fishermen who participated in the engagement also described plastic waste as an increasing threat to their work, saying the amount of rubbish in the sea was making fishing more difficult and affecting their livelihoods.
One fisherman said plastic waste found in the sea was often carried from other areas before eventually reaching their fishing grounds.
“We continue to battle plastic pollution. Most of it is not from here, but it ends up here and gets into the sea. After everything, we go fishing and all we catch is plastic,” he said.
The concerns were raised during a courtesy call by the 2026 Cohort of the Plastic Pollution and Climate Change Communication Training on Ga traditional leaders.
The three-day intensive programme brought together media practitioners and environmental protection advocates under the theme, “Strengthening Media and Community Voices for Action on Plastic Pollution and Climate Change.”
The training was organised by the National Climate and Environmental Communications Initiative (NCECI), in partnership with the Environmental Protection Authority, Knustford University and Ignite Media.
The initiative is aimed at equipping journalists and environmental advocates with the skills needed to effectively communicate the impact of plastic pollution and climate change while encouraging communities and other stakeholders to support practical solutions.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar.