UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: ATUIMAH VALERIOUS
The Builsa North Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) recently marked World Environment Day with a significant event at the Sandema Preparatory School. This global observance, championed by the United Nations, is dedicated to increasing environmental awareness and inspiring protective actions. This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” was at the forefront of discussions and activities.
Students from Sandema Preparatory, Success International, and Ayieta Junior High Schools participated in the event. Mr. Jeffery Adda, the Municipal Director of the NCCE, delivered a welcome address, underscoring the vital role of education and civic awareness in nurturing future leaders.
Mr. Adda addressed the critical issue of plastic pollution in Ghana, revealing that the country generates approximately 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, with a mere 9.5% collected for recycling. He attributed Ghana’s escalating waste management challenges and widespread environmental contamination to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and evolving consumption patterns, particularly due to disposable packaging and low-grade products.
In line with its commitment to environmental stewardship, the NCCE is actively engaging Ghanaian children and youth as “civic champions” through this global campaign. This initiative complements the theme of this year’s Citizenship Week Celebrations, “Ghana’s future: the role of the Ghanaian Child”. The NCCE’s environmental education efforts include discussions with children on sanitation and responsible plastic use to foster lasting behavioral changes. Students are being educated on the “3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” and the importance of waste segregation at home and school. Furthermore, pupils are encouraged to be proactive agents of change, promoting positive behaviors within their families and among their peers.
The event aimed to raise public awareness about the hazards of plastic pollution and the 3Rs, involve schoolchildren in creative environmental projects, advocate for sustainable waste management practices, and strengthen civic education clubs for advocacy.
A highlight of the commemoration was an environmental protection competition, judged by Mr. Nicholas Adala and Madam Juliana Adiak. Participants were evaluated on creativity, teamwork, impact, engagement, delivery, and exceptionality. Sandema Preparatory showcased a drama illustrating the practical application of the reduce, reuse, and recycle concepts, also highlighting the environmental impact on farm animals and livestock and its socio-economic effects. Success JHS presented a play dramatizing the adverse health consequences of environmental pollution and its impact on living standards, contrasting different sanitation lifestyles to demonstrate the severe effects of global warming and health issues from contaminated products. Ayieta Preparatory conveyed messages of environmental impact and hope for the future through two poems.
In the competition, Success International secured first place with 86%, followed by Sandema Preparatory with 77% (2nd), and Ayieta JHS with 51% (3rd). Participation certificates were awarded to all schools. Mr. Nicholas Adala presented the certificate to Ayieta JHS, Madam Juliana Adiak to Sandema Preparatory, and the NCCE director to the winners, Success JHS.
The judges reiterated the event’s theme, stressing the significance of individual contributions to environmental well-being and urging everyone to contribute to a cleaner, healthier community. Madam Juliana Akangwanati, a representative from CAMA, Builsa North, also spoke, emphasizing the partnership with the NCCE and the importance of World Environment Day, particularly the consequences of poor sanitation. The NCCE director concluded the event with closing remarks and expressions of gratitude to all stakeholders.
