With Ghana’s waste crisis deepening, particularly in plastic and textile waste, stakeholders in the creative and cultural sectors are calling for a national mindset shift on how waste is perceived and managed.
This urgent appeal was made at the “Echoes of the Landfill Site” event held in Accra, which celebrated artists who transform discarded materials, including plastics and textile waste, into lasting works of art. The event highlighted how creativity can be used to tackle environmental issues while inspiring a circular economy.
Organised to honour artists using waste as raw material for art, the event brought together key partners including members of the diplomatic corps, the Creative Arts Agency, the Ghana Culture Forum, and the Museum of Science and Technology. These institutions are actively advocating for the adoption of biodegradable and eco-friendly materials over the continued use of plastics and fast fashion items that do not decompose and continue to pollute the environment.
Speakers at the event underscored the environmental impact of textile waste, which has become a growing concern alongside plastic pollution. With the rise of second-hand clothing imports and fast fashion, Ghana’s landfills, especially in urban centres, are seeing increasing volumes of fabric waste that are difficult to recycle or decompose.
Speaking to The High Street Journal, some attendees at the event acknowledged that waste is not just garbage, as it is being used to create art, and recycled into reusable items. Textile scraps, old plastics, and discarded packaging were some of the materials displayed by the artists. Materials that one can say are in the right hands.
Participants called for stronger collaboration between artists, environmental groups, policymakers, and industry players to address waste holistically. They also urged the public to adopt more sustainable consumption habits, including choosing biodegradable products and reducing textile overconsumption. Arts on display were by Beatrice “Bee” Arthur, Essilfie Banton, Obed Addo, Salim, and Adrea Ghia.
On tackling waste, President Mahama in his campaign manifesto mentioned some key initiatives to address the pressing waste challenges faced by metropolitan areas, particularly as the country continues to combat rapid urbanization and environmental degradation.
One of the cornerstone proposals in the manifesto was the establishment of a Waste Management Fund. This fund, which would be created by amending the Customs and Excise (Duties and Other Taxes) (Amendment) Act, aims to gather essential resources for effective waste management while simultaneously creating green jobs.
As the country continues to struggle with the growing threat of plastic and textile waste, organisers of the “Echoes of the Landfill Site” hope the event will spark a renewed national dialogue and lead to lasting, creative solutions.
