DR. OWUSU BOAMPONG-(HEAD, DEPT OF INTEGRATED STUDIES- UCC) want government to take decision to place special tax on plastic manufacturing and bottling companies, polythene bag importers and distributors to manage their plastic waste. According to him, the rate at which these plastic waste end up in the ocean is posing a major challenge to Ghana’s marine resources and the ocean economy. He said research has shown that fishes are eating micro-plastics which is dangerous the human health. Fishermen are gradually catching more plastics in their fishing expedition which affects their economic status. DR. OWUSU BOAMPONG-(HEAD, DEPT OF INTEGRATED STUDIES- UCC) is predicting that Ghanaian fishermen and those along the fishing industry value chain will lose their livelihood if government fails to address high pollution of our ocean. According to him, rate at which plastic wastes are ending up in the ocean will have have negative impact on those whose livelihood depends on marine resources. He made the prediction when joined Environmental Justice Foundation to sensitize fishermen and fish mongers at Abrofo Mpoana at Cape Coast to mark World Ocean Day which was under the theme: “The Planet: Tides are Changing”.
DR. OWUSU BOAMPONG-(HEAD, DEPT OF INTEGRATED STUDIES- UCC) is charging government to provide waste bins at the various beaches along the coastal communities to manage solid wastes especially plastic wastes from ending up in our ocean. He also want community members within our coastal communities to develop attitudinal change towards waste management to save their livelihood. He wants them to take initiative whiles waiting for government support to address plastic waste management at the coastal communities.
