Beauty queens from Ghana and India are spearheading a new movement to combat plastic pollution in Ghana through the launch of the “Waste to Purpose” initiative — a campaign that blends advocacy, education, and technology-driven recycling to inspire sustainable change.
The event, held in Accra, brought together reigning Miss Ghana 2025 Jutta Pokua Addo, Miss Earth Ghana 2024 Winifred Esi Sam, and Miss Earth India 2024 Yawei Gothankan, alongside environmental leaders and city officials, to demonstrate how waste can be transformed into purpose and prosperity.
“We must all embrace cleanliness and responsible waste habits,” said Miss Ghana, Pokua Addo.
Miss Earth Ghana 2024, Winifred Esi Sam, a passionate youth eco-ambassador and model, echoed the sentiment:
“My journey is not just about me; it’s about our planet. Through upcycling, education, and action, we can inspire a generation to protect the Earth.”
As part of the initiative, the Eco Earth Foundation and AfriCycle Trust Foundation unveiled smart recycling machines that reward users for returning plastic waste.
“This isn’t just a project — it’s a movement,” said Gisela Emefa Gagakuma, Executive Director of Eco Earth.
“We want every Ghanaian to see waste not as trash, but as a valuable resource.”
Alfred Boahen Frimpong, speaking on behalf of the Mayor of Accra, reaffirmed the city’s goal to become the cleanest in Africa by 2026:
“Waste to Purpose is about turning pollution into purpose, empowering our people, and building a circular economy.”
The event also featured a heartfelt call from Sarah Dorgbadzi, Executive Secretary of the Queen Mothers Foundation, who praised the young women leading the campaign:
“Our daughters carry not only crowns, but courage. This is how we honour our foremothers — by rising together for the future.”
