Plastic waste, bushfires and pesticides, major environmental concerns in Upper East Region 

Uncontrolled bushfires, inappropriate disposable of plastic waste and indiscriminate use of pesticides have been identified as major environmental challenges in many parts of the Upper East Region. 

Mr Emmanuel Yeboah, Regional Principal Programmes Officer, of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who revealed this indicated that these activities among others were contributing significantly to the harsh weather conditions and deepening the adverse effects of climate change. 

“Apart from the galamsey that we have in some parts of the region especially in the Talensi areas, the biggest environmental problems we have as a region are plastics, pesticides and bushfires,” he stressed. 

He advised Ghanaians to be wary of the negative effects of their activities on the environment and human existence and join the train to upscale actions that would lead to protection and sustainability of the environment. 

The Principal Programmes Officer was speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a health walk on the principal streets of Bolgatanga as part of activities marking the 50th Anniversary of the EPA on the theme, “protecting the environment, our collective responsibility”. 

Participants held placards with environmental protection advocacy inscriptions such us “use pesticides safely,” stop plastic pollution,” tree is life, think green,” together we can save our planet,” “protect our planet for future generation,” environmental protection concerns everyone,” among others. 

Mr Yeboah noted that pesticides were chemicals and when not used properly had significant adverse effects on the environment and urged farmers and the public to be cautious of their actions on the environment to avoid abuse and pollution. 

He said apart from the need for the public to ensure proper disposable of plastic waste, there was the need to desist bush burning and encouraged Ghanaians to cultivate the spirit of environmental sustainability through tree planting and growing. 

Mr Yeboah explained that climate change was real and was affecting every sector of the economy and attributed the cause to indecent human activities and called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to join the fight against environmental destruction. 

“We have been holding radio discussions, community and school engagements trying to sensitise the public against negative environmental practices and instill in the young people environmental consciousness because environmental protection is everyone’s concern,” he said. 

Source: GNA 

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