As part of activities to mark World Ocean Day 2025, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Wildlife and Human Resources Organisation (WHRO), and the University of Ghana (UG) joined forces to clean up the Abia community in Ningo-Prampram on June 7, 2025.
The exercise, aimed at promoting cleaner coastal environments, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, researchers, health workers, and representatives from both government and civil society.
The clean-up began around 7:00 a.m. and formed part of broader global efforts to preserve oceans and marine ecosystems.
Organised in collaboration with partners such as SEE Turtles, the WHRO Young Scientists Programme, the Coastal Association of Neighbours, and the Department of Marine and Fisheries Sciences at UG, the event also featured the involvement of the Coastal Areas Management in North and West Africa (MarCNoWA) project under the GMES and Africa Programme Phase II, ESL Consulting, and Ecozoil Limited.
In total, 2,550.2 kilograms of waste were collected, including 60.9 kilograms of non-recyclables, 34.8 kilograms of recyclable plastics, and 2,458.5 kilograms of mixed waste such as textiles and plant debris. Recyclable materials were transported to Tema for further processing.
Dr Andrews Agyekumhene, Executive Director of WHRO, stressed the importance of maintaining clean coastal zones, citing the sea’s critical role in sustaining both human and animal life. He urged residents, particularly those in coastal areas, to take responsibility for their immediate environments.
Some residents of the Abia community expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that much of the waste found on their beaches originates from other coastal towns and is carried by tidal currents.
Patrick Abbeyquaye, a WHRO member, noted that while such clean-up efforts would continue, lasting impact would depend on sustained community involvement and preventive measures.
