NCCE Upper Manya Krobo District marks 2025 World Environment Day

The Upper Manya Krobo District Secretariat of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has joined the global celebration of the 2025 World Environment Day with a strong call for Ghanaians to take decisive action against plastic pollution.

At a durbar held in Asesewa on June 5, the District Director of NCCE, Mr. Eric Yanney, explained the significance of the event, noting that the United Nations established the day to inspire global action to protect the planet and raise awareness about environmental challenges.

“June 5th is designated for the commemoration of the environment by the United Nations to ensure that campaigners aim to inspire people to take action to protect our planet from climate change and raise awareness of issues around the globe,” he said.

Mr. Yanney emphasized that this year’s focus is on raising awareness about plastic pollution and identifying solutions to combat it. He reminded participants that World Environment Day was first established during the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, with the first official celebration held in 1973. Since then, it has become a pivotal platform for environmental advocacy around the world.

In line with the global theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle,” the NCCE organized poetry recitals featuring pupils from Lamb of God International School, S.D.A. School, and Charlene Crossley International School. The pupils delivered heartfelt and educational messages that urged the community and the wider Ghanaian public to recognize the dangers of excessive plastic use and pollution.

Their performances called for a shift in behavior and promoted environmental stewardship. At the end of the programme, participating schools received certificates of recognition for their contributions.

Mr. Yanney further highlighted the importance of waste segregation at the household level as a step toward sustainable waste management. He urged families to separate biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable materials to support effective recycling efforts. “We must preserve the environment for posterity,” he added.

The event was attended by dignitaries including Nene Ofei Tagbaja, the Divisional Chief of Asesewa, headmasters and teachers from participating schools, representatives from the District Environmental Health Unit, and the Director of the Business Advisory Centre.

A representative from the Environmental Health Office in Asesewa encouraged the pupils to make cleanliness a habit, reminding them that “a healthy life goes with a healthy environment.”

To wrap up the celebration, the NCCE Upper Manya Krobo Directorate led a symbolic tree-planting exercise at selected schools to promote reforestation and environmental responsibility.