Healthy Seas and Chaint Afrique Join Forces Again for a Cleanup in Ghana's Most Polluted Estuary
Tackling plastic pollution in the Ayensu estuary and raising awareness about marine conservation
This September, Healthy Seas, in partnership with Chaint Afrique, is taking decisive action to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges along Ghana’s coastline—plastic pollution. With a special focus on the Winneba Estuary of the River Ayensu, this project highlights our ongoing commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable practices, making it the second major initiative of 2024 in Ghana.
A Collaborative Effort for World Cleanup Day
Starting on September 20th, the cleanup effort will kick off in Winneba, a coastal town in the Central Region of Ghana, where the River Ayensu, one of the country’s most polluted waterways, discharges approximately 270 tons of plastic into the ocean annually. The event, organized by Chaint Afrique, Healthy Seas, and LABEC (Fisheries Commission), will bring together a minimum of 100 participants from local communities. This initiative coincides with World Cleanup Day, serving as a call to action to raise awareness about the dire consequences of upstream plastic pollution and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG).
Activities will continue on September 21st in Accra, in collaboration with NPAP and other organizations. Together, these events—four in total—will aim to inspire collective action, educate communities, and provide hands-on training on marine pollution prevention, focusing on the sources of plastic waste and abandoned, lost or other discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) that impact the river and coastal areas.
Community Engagement and Cleanup Activities
In preparation for the cleanup, the night before, announcements will be made to mobilize local support. Participants will receive training on ALDFG (lost or other discarded fishing gear), the environmental impacts of plastic pollution, and preventative measures to reduce plastic waste in waterways. On the day of the cleanup, teams will gather to collect waste, sorting and weighing the materials on site. In collaboration with Zoomlion, a local waste management company, any non-recyclable materials will be disposed of responsibly. The fishing nets collected from this cleanup that are suitable for recycling will be sent to the ECONYL® Regeneration System. This innovative process, developed by Aquafil, transforms discarded nylon into new, sustainable products, contributing to the circular economy and closing the loop on ghost nets pollution.
Partnering for Long-Term Impact
Chaint Afrique has become an official partner of Healthy Seas, and this event is a continuation of their incredible work within local fishing communities. Their efforts include not only cleanups but also educational programs that raise awareness among fishermen and villagers about the long-term impact of plastic and fishing gear pollution. Thanks to their strong local presence, Chaint Afrique plays a pivotal role in preventing further pollution and promoting sustainable practices in Ghana’s coastal regions. The collaboration between Healthy Seas, Chaint Afrique, and Aquafil exemplifies the power of partnerships in tackling complex environmental issues. Together, we are making strides toward cleaner oceans and healthier ecosystems, one estuary at a time.
