ECOWAS Parliament convene in Winneba to tackle plastic waste

In a heartfelt plea during the 6th Legislature Delocalised Meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament held in Winneba, Central Region, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Majority Leader and MP for Effutu, called for urgent collective action to tackle the growing menace of plastic waste.

Addressing fellow lawmakers, Afenyo-Markin underscored the gravity of the plastic waste issue, noting its impact across cities from Dakar to Lagos, Niamey, Accra, and Abidjan.

“Plastic waste is not just a Ghanaian problem; it’s a pressing concern for every urban center in West Africa,” he emphasized.

He argued that due to the cross-border nature of plastic pollution, a unified regional approach is essential. “This isn’t a matter of debate over borders or politics; it’s a matter that affects our daily lives, our environment, our agriculture, and our infrastructure,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

Expressing his gratitude, he commended the Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Energy and Mines, and Infrastructure Committees for prioritizing this crucial topic. He acknowledged the challenge of finding holistic solutions but also highlighted the rewarding nature of working towards the well-being of the region’s people.

The meeting’s theme, “Plastic Waste Management: Challenges and Prospects in Implementing Community Policies,” will see input from a roster of experts. Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, will also be attending as a special guest.

By the end of the sessions, attendees are expected to gain insights into the ECOWAS strategies for managing plastic waste and to receive recommendations on enhancing regional legislation for better environmental management and coordinated waste management practices.

The delocalised meetings aim to bring the ECOWAS Parliament’s work closer to the people, fostering greater visibility and dialogue on regional development and integration issues.