NCCE Anloga District marks World Environment Day with call to end plastic pollution

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Anloga District, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission organised a program to commemorate World Environment Day at the Gloryland Global Evangelical Church Auditorium in Anloga.

The event was held under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution Through the 4R Principles” and aimed to raise awareness on the importance of protecting the environment from plastic pollution.

The program brought together several dignitaries, including: Madam Sandra Seyram Awushie Kpedor, Anloga District Chief Executive, Mr. Emmanuel Dzakpasu, District Coordinating Director, Mr. Eric Atta Kusi, Manager of Operations, Forestry Commission (Headquarters), Mr. Lawrence Tetteh, District Director, Forestry Commission Anloga, Mr. Dominic Yao Dzanado, Director, Ghana Education Service – Anloga, Teachers and learners from Dzedzidi Community Basic School, Anloga E.P. Basic School, and Anloga Avete D.A. Basic School

The program began with a tree-planting exercise at the Avete D.A. Basic School campus, where coconut, royal palm, and mahogany trees were planted to mark the occasion. Leading the exercise were the dignitaries, including Togbi Hatsu III, District Director of NCCE Anloga.

In his welcome address, Togbi Hatsu III emphasized the devastating effects of plastic pollution on the district’s main occupations—fishing and farming. He urged learners to adopt environmentally friendly lifestyles by embracing the 4Rs: Reject, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle plastic waste. He also explained the long decomposition period of plastics and encouraged the use of alternatives like paper and cloth bags.

Mr. Eric Atta Kusi highlighted the importance of trees in sustaining life and protecting the environment. He discouraged indiscriminate felling of trees and encouraged each learner to plant and nurture trees. Quoting the famous adage, “If the last tree dies, the last man dies,” he urged the learners to take action now.

A major highlight of the event was a series of creative performances by students. Learners from the three basic schools recited inspiring poems on ending plastic pollution. The Avete D.A. Basic School drama group delivered a powerful performance that explored the effects of plastic pollution on farming, fishing, health, and child development linking environmental destruction to broader moral and spiritual concerns. The drama concluded with a call to action: End plastic pollution now.

In her closing remarks, Madam Sandra Seyram Awushie Kpedor praised the students for their active participation and outstanding performances. She encouraged them to carry the environmental message home to their parents and guardians. She also inspired the learners especially the girls to study hard and aim to become future leaders and professionals like the dignitaries present. She urged them to go beyond planting trees, and become tree growers committed to nurturing, watering, and ensuring the survival of the trees they plant.

The program ended with the NCCE Anloga District presenting certificates of participation to each of the participating schools.