SACOST-UEW Partners Shape Attitude Ghana for Environmental Sustainability
The Centre for School and Community Science and Technology Studies (SACOST) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) and Shape Attitude Ghana have marked the latter’s 11th anniversary with a powerful call to end plastic pollution and promote sustainable environmental practices.
The event, held at A.M.E. Zion A, B, C & D Schools in Winneba to coincide with World Environment Day, brought together stakeholders in education, environmental advocacy and development including notable UEW faculty and students.
Chaired by Prof. Daniel Yelpieri, Deputy Director of UEW’s Institute for Educational Research and Innovation Studies (IERIS), the event revolved around the theme "Ending Plastic Pollution"—a continuation of a global campaign that emphasises urgent action towards eliminating plastic waste.
“In everything we do—economically, socially and culturally—we rely on the environment but consciously or unconsciously, we are destroying it. This day serves as a powerful reminder that our very lives depend on the health of our planet,” Prof. Yierperi stated.
Prof. Yierperi urged students and faculty to take responsibility for the environment, especially on campus. “We all have the power to educate. If you see someone littering, tell them politely. Even if they ignore you, their conscience will judge them,” he said. He reminded the audience that proper waste handling could transform what was perceived as garbage into valuable resources.
Mr. Wonderful Baisie Ghartey, Project Director of Shape Attitude Ghana, used the platform to reflect on the organisation’s eleven-year journey. He praised the sustained partnership with UEW, acknowledging that “close to 90% of our team today are affiliated with the University of Education, Winneba.” He highlighted that the continued commitment of the university community had significantly contributed to the organisation’s achievements.
Mr. Ghartey emphasised the need for practical solutions beyond lip service. “We must go beyond talk. We need to designate litter-free zones in Winneba and rigorously enforce sanitation laws. A zero-tolerance approach to plastic pollution is not a dream, it is a necessity,” he declared.
Prof. Enoch Sam, Head of SACOST, engaged students and guests in an interactive session that spotlighted lessons learned from a drama presentation and poetry recital. His approach demonstrated how environmental education can be both engaging and impactful.
“What will you do differently from today?” he asked participants. Their responses were clear: stop littering, separate waste properly and inspire others to do the same. Prof. Sam cited Rwanda’s capital Kigali as a shining example of cleanliness in Africa, challenging Winneba to rise to similar standards.
Delivering the keynote address, the PRO of the Effutu Municipal Directorate of Education, Mr. Joseph Ntsiful, underscored the urgent need to combat plastic pollution in Ghana. He described the current state of environmental degradation caused by plastic waste as "overwhelming" and urged all stakeholders to act decisively.
“Plastic waste clogs our drains, pollutes our water bodies and harms wildlife. Our responsibility as learners, educators and citizens is to take decisive action to combat this growing menace,” Mr. Ntsiful remarked.
Mr. Ntsiful underscored that the education sector plays a crucial role in shaping environmental consciousness and encouraged schools to integrate environmental stewardship into their curricula.
As part of the commemoration, students participated in exhibitions, environmental debates and clean-up exercises, reinforcing the practical steps needed to curb plastic waste at the grassroots level.
The University of Education, Winneba’s involvement in the event reflects its dedication to equipping future leaders with the knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental challenges, making it a critical player in Ghana’s sustainable development efforts.
