Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats facing our oceans and the livelihoods of coastal communities. In Ghana’s fishing communities, plastics; especially single-use plastics and abandoned fishing gear, clog landing sites, pollute the sea, and damage the very ecosystems that fishers depend on for survival.
At Friends of the Nation (FoN), we are committed to changing this story. We believe that protecting the ocean means protecting people, and we are working hand-in-hand with communities, policymakers, and the private sector to reduce plastic waste along our coasts.
Our Actions Against Plastic Pollution
- Coastal Community Clean-up exercises
FoN organizes regular cleanup exercises along the Shama coastal areas, bringing together fishers, women processors, schools, and local leaders to clear plastics and other waste from beaches and landing sites. These cleanups not only restore the beauty of our coasts but also prevent plastics from entering the ocean and harming marine life.
- Advocacy to Plastic Producers
We hold plastic producers accountable by writing open letters that challenge them to contribute meaningfully to the management of the waste their products create. We demand that producers take responsibility by funding collection systems, supporting recycling initiatives, and reducing harmful single-use plastics in circulation.
- Promoting the 4Rs : Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
FoN champions the 4Rs in fishing communities as part of behavior change and sustainable waste management. Through education and campaigns, we encourage communities to rethink their use of plastics, reduce unnecessary waste, reuse materials where possible, and recycle plastics into useful products.
- Addressing Abandoned Fishing Gear (ALDFG)
We also tackle the problem of abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear, one of the biggest contributors to ocean plastic pollution. By engaging fishers, we promote proper disposal, retrieval of gear, and the use of alternatives that are less harmful to the environment.
Building a Cleaner, Safer Future
FoN’s fight against plastic pollution is part of our broader Ocean Justice and Livelihood Campaigns. We understand that a healthy ocean means healthier communities, more sustainable fisheries, and stronger livelihoods.
But we cannot do it alone. Producers must take responsibility, governments must enforce policies, and individuals must adopt new habits. Together, we can turn the tide against plastic pollution.
👉 Join us by volunteering for our cleanup campaigns, supporting our advocacy, or funding community recycling projects. Every action counts toward cleaner shores and thriving coastal communities.