On Thursday, August 21, 2025, young leaders, government officials, civil society groups, and innovators gathered at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Accra, for the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement’s (GYEM) Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable on “Pathways Towards Ending Plastic Pollution.”

The energy in the room was powerful: this wasn’t just another meeting – it was about building real solutions for one of Ghana’s biggest challenges, plastic waste.

 
Key Highlights
1. Setting the Tone
Our National Coordinator, Glory Emmanuella Appiah, opened the session with a call to action: “We are here to shape Ghana’s future by finding solutions, not excuses.”

2. Big Insights on Plastics
Mr. Hope Smith Lomotey (EPA) gave a deep dive into Ghana’s current plastic reality:

• Plastics are everywhere – some reusable, others single-use.
• By 2030, Ghana aims to phase out 50% of single-use plastics (SUPs).
• Biodegradable alternatives are the way forward.
• Stronger rules and even fees for plastic use may be enforced to cut down waste.

3. Bold Youth Interventions
Young participants and partners didn’t hold back.

• Spencer Awortwi (Plastic Punch): Exposed the weak enforcement of plastic laws and demanded real accountability.
• Mabel Laryea (GAYO): Called for taxes on plastics and bold support for alternatives like baskets and bowls.
• SOS Against Plastic Pollution: Suggested turning Kaneshie Market into a model hub for plastic reduction.
• Others urged education and behavioral change, proving that solutions must start with the people.

4. Decisions That Matter
The roundtable agreed on:
✅ EPA is working directly with manufacturers and enforcing stricter regulations.
✅ Transparency in approving new alternatives.
✅ Support for innovators developing eco-friendly substitutes.
✅ Stronger public education through schools, media, and communities.
✅ Inclusion – from market women to young startups, everyone has a role.

5. Closing the Session
Samuel Boadu Duah reminded all that banning plastics isn’t enough. The future lies in durable, fundable alternatives and a culture of collaboration.

 
What’s Next for Youth?
This roundtable is just the beginning. As youth, our voices must continue to rise:

📢 GYEM will host a Podcast series to open up the plastics debate to an even wider audience.
🌍 Get ready for the launch of YouthOvaPlastics Global Forum – a unique youth-led platform for cross-cultural solutions to plastic pollution.
 
🙌 Our Champions in the Room
From EPA leaders to changemakers like Bismark Osiakwa (Reusable Bags GH) and Isaac Ofosu (Coliba Waste Management), the roundtable proved that when government, civil society, and youth collaborate, real change is possible.

✨ Together, we can end plastic pollution. Together, we can create a cleaner, sustainable Ghana. 

Event photos: Here