WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY CELEBRATION, 2025
World Environmental Day is celebrated globally on 5th June. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with Zion Seed Foundation for Development also commemorated this day at the Assemblies of God church, Sege. This programme raised awareness and promoted collective action on key environmental issues.
The main objectives of the World Environmental Day Celebration were to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution, educate students and community members on sustainable practices, and promote civic responsibility through youth engagement.
This year’s celebration, was held under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution”. The theme strongly projected the urgent need to combat plastic waste and safeguard the planet for current and future generations.
The Zion Seed Foundation for Development, is a Ghanaian owned non-profit organization (NGO) working across communities, schools and clusters with the mission to sow and grow seeds of environmental sustainability among target groups. They are innovative, dynamic and solution-oriented school championing environmental sustainability issues.
Participants were shown educational documentary that demonstrated how plastic wastes were recycled, giving them a deeper understanding of practical solutions and the potential value of waste materials.
The founder of the NGO, Dr. Jones Aygapong indicated that they are mainly focused on sanitation, hygiene and climate change issues. Their programmes are geared toward empowering young people and promoting community-based solutions to environmental challenges.
The District Director of National Commission for Civic Education, Mr Etsey Samuel in his address, he spoke about the growing menace of plastic pollution in Ghana and highlighted the country’s ongoing struggles with plastic waste management. He emphasized that young people have a vital role to play in addressing these issues. He encouraged them to lead the change in their schools and communities.
Mr Etsey stressed the importance of early involvement, urging children adopt environmentally friendly habits and actively in efforts to reduce plastic waste. He also highlighted several successful initiatives in Ghana that have made meaningful progress in environmental sustainability. He strongly advocated for pragmatic action, stating, “let’s work together to create a plastic- free Ghana”.
The event brought together eight schools from across the Ada West district. These include Sege Community JHS Number One, Sege Community JHS Number On, Presbyterian JHS, Zion Care Academy, First Class Academy, Renebor School, Shadijoes Academy and Glorious Hope Academy. They students were educated to act responsibly with plastic wastes to ensure environmental sustainability.
The organizers effectively educated and motivated young people to take action against plastic pollution. It is hoped that the lessons learned during this event will influence lasting behavioural change and lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Ghana. As part of a-take-home message, the children were given several slogans to aid their activities to end plastic pollutions. One of this slogan, is to “Reduce, Reuse. Recycle” plastics. They were admonished to “promote the 3Rs as a simple and effective way to manage plastic waste”.
ISD – AWDA
5th June 2025