Gold Fields Mine Manager Declares Plastic Pollution "Existential Crisis" at Tarkwa Environment Day Event

Speaking under the global theme "Ending Plastic Pollution," Appau forcefully stated that the theme was "not just a slogan, it is a moral imperative." He framed the fight against plastic as a "sacred duty" for all stewards of the planet, painting a grim picture of its pervasive impact.

"We are confronted with tidal waves of plastics choking our oceans, poisoning our soils, and threatening every living creature," Apau declared. He cited alarming projections from the World Economic Forum, warning that without drastic change, "there could be more plastics in the ocean than fish by 2050.""Citing United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) data, Appau highlighted the sheer scale of the problem: over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with two-thirds being short-lived products that end up littering towns, villages, drains, gutters, and oceans. He emphasized the insidious infiltration of microplastics, stating they now "infect the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food on our plates."

"This is not just pollution, but an existential crisis," Appau asserted. "One that demands immediate and collective action."

Gold Fields Tarkwa Taking Concrete Steps

Appau outlined Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine's strategic response to the crisis, positioning the company as an active combatant:
* Policy Implementation: A policy focused on "significantly reducing single-use plastics" and working towards "100% recycling of plastic waste."
* Local Partnership: Collaboration with a local company to recycle plastic waste generated on the mine site.
*  Employee Sensitization & Segregation: Educating staff and implementing a system using colour-coded bins to ensure effective plastic segregation for recycling.
*  Zero Plastic to Landfill Goal: The ultimate aim is to ensure "no plastic waste goes to our refuse dumps."
*  Pilot for Communities: The mine intends for its internal system to serve as a successful pilot project replicable in surrounding host communities.

Appau stressed that ending plastic pollution requires collaboration beyond the mine gates. "We will continue to explore opportunities for greater collaboration with our host communities and local plastic recycling companies," he stated.

Call to Collective Action

The Mine Manager emphasised that responsibility cannot be placed solely on any single entity. "We cannot end plastic pollution in a single day, nor is it the sole responsibility of an individual or an organisation," he said. "It requires consistent action, shared responsibility as well as social and corporate accountability."

He issued a direct challenge to all attendees and citizens:
*   Adopt reusable bags.
*   Avoid single-use plastics.
*   Sort waste appropriately.
*   Speak up against harmful environmental practices.
*   Join the fight to save the planet.

"Every plastic we reuse and every environmentally conscious decision we make contributes to a cleaner environment, a healthier Ghana, and a sustainable world," Apau concluded. "Let us mark World Environment Day not only with words but with meaningful actions."

Municipality Echoes Urgency, Details Local Efforts

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Tarkwa Nsuaem, Ebenezer Cobbinah, reinforced Appau’s message, highlighting the unique urgency facing the resource-rich municipality. "As the municipality is blessed with abundant natural resources, it faces a more urgent and dire situation which calls for immediate action," Cobbinah stated. "We have to initiate action and rise to the challenge of protecting the very environment which sustains us."

He thanked Gold Fields for partnering with the Assembly to host the event, commending their "commitment to environmental sustainability." Cobbinah described plastic pollution as a societal "canker," detailing its local impacts: threatening health, choking drainage systems, affecting agriculture, disrupting ecosystems, and endangering wildlife.

"The theme 'Ending Plastic Pollution' echoes deeply, especially in our municipality... We have seen the impact," Cobbinah said, adding pointedly, "We carry out these practices. We must end it now."

The MCE outlined municipal initiatives:
*   Monthly clean-up exercises across the municipality.
*   Involvement of Assembly Members in conducting clean-ups in their electoral areas.
*   Commitment to making these efforts "continuous practice and not a once-in-a-while activity."

Appeal to Media and Public

Cobbinah called on the media to play a "crucial role" by highlighting indiscriminate waste disposal and inspiring citizens towards sustainable habits. He made a specific appeal: "I also urge drivers and passengers to refrain from littering the environment [and] practice personal hygiene."

Both leaders framed the battle against plastic pollution as a fundamental necessity for the health of the community, the environment, and future generations, demanding a united front involving industry, government, citizens, and the media.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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