• Metascholar News Portal
• Business , Environmental News , Local News
• February 28, 2025
• 337 views
• 4 minutes Read

Ghanaian Businesses Launch Campaign to Tackle Single-Use Plastic Pollution

In a significant move to tackle the escalating environmental crisis caused by single-use plastics (SUPs), five leading supermarkets and related businesses in Ghana have pledged their commitment to a Voluntary Pact aimed at reducing plastic waste. The initiative, spearheaded by Plastic Punch in collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) and key stakeholders, seeks to halve the use of single-use plastic bags in Ghana by 2030. Participating businesses include Sneda Shopping Centre, Neha Supermarket, All Needs Supermarket, Decathlon Ghana, and Green Butterfly Market. These companies have joined forces to promote sustainable business practices, support Ghana’s national sustainability goals, and contribute to global environmental stewardship. The Voluntary Pact, launched with the backing of Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is part of the broader National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP). It aims to address the pervasive issue of plastic pollution by encouraging businesses to transition away from SUPs such as carrier bags, food packaging, straws, cups, and cutlery in the retail, hospitality, and food sectors. Capacity Building and Public Awareness Campaigns As part of the initiative, participating businesses will receive capacity-building training to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. Additionally, a nationwide awareness campaign, titled “Bag The Habit,” will be rolled out to promote corporate environmental responsibility and encourage the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to SUPs. Richmond Quarcoo, Head of Plastic Punch, emphasized the importance of public education in driving behavioral change. “This campaign will amplify messages around SUP reduction and inspire broader adoption of sustainable practices. We urge all supermarkets and eateries to join us in influencing consumer behavior through eco-friendly packaging,” he stated. A Cultural Shift Toward Sustainability The initiative goes beyond reducing plastic waste; it aims to foster a cultural shift toward sustainable business operations and consumer habits. By engaging stakeholders across sectors, the program seeks to enforce supportive policies, drive behavioral change, and create a lasting positive impact on Ghana’s environment. Hobson Kwame Agyapong, Principal Program Officer at the EPA, highlighted the initiative’s broader vision: “This is not just about reducing single-use plastics; it’s about transforming how businesses and consumers interact with the environment. We are committed to driving meaningful change and ensuring a sustainable future for Ghana.” Global Support and Collaboration The Voluntary Pact is part of the Go Circular project, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project supports Ghana’s transition to a circular economy by…