OmniBSIC Bank, in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR) and the Ocean Tribe Foundation, has launched a plastic recovery initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and recycling among senior high school students.
The project, dubbed “Recovering Plastics for Industry and Sustainable Environment,” will be implemented in five selected schools in Accra: St. John’s Grammar School, O’Reilly Senior High School, Accra High School, Armed Forces Senior High Technical School and Odorgonno Senior High School.
Funded by OmniBSIC Bank as part of its Corporate Social Investment programme, the initiative seeks to encourage responsible plastic waste management while introducing students to the principles of the circular economy.
As part of the programme, Green Technology Clubs will be established in participating schools to educate students on environmental stewardship and foster innovation through a Plastic Innovation Challenge.
The partners also unveiled a booklet titled “Plastics, Waste and Management for Teens,” designed to increase awareness of plastic pollution and sustainable waste management practices among young people.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Divisional Head and Executive Committee Member of OmniBSIC Bank, Mr. George Ocansey Tetteh, said the project aims to change public perceptions of plastic waste and highlight its potential as a valuable industrial resource.
“Walk into any school compound during break time and you will see discarded water sachets, bottles and food wrappers. For years, we have called this waste. Today, we are saying it is a misplaced industrial resource,” he stated.
Mr. Tetteh explained that dedicated plastic collection cages would be installed in the beneficiary schools, while students and teachers would receive training on waste segregation, cleaning and proper storage.
According to him, plastics collected through the programme would be sold to buy-back companies for processing into raw materials for local industries, creating economic value while reducing environmental pollution.
He noted that the initiative aligns with efforts to promote sustainable waste management and strengthen Ghana’s emerging circular economy.
The Deputy Director of CSIR-IIR, Dr. Richard Bayitse, described the project as a practical intervention that addresses both environmental and industrial development challenges.
He said schools could play a critical role in advancing Ghana’s circular economy agenda by instilling responsible waste management practices in students from an early age.
A Senior Research Scientist at CSIR-IIR, Dr. Boniface Yeboah Antwi, revealed that plastic waste accounts for approximately 60 percent of all waste generated in the five participating schools, mainly from sachet water packaging and plastic beverage bottles.
He disclosed that the schools collectively generate more than 44,000 pieces of plastic waste each day, warning that poor waste management could have serious environmental consequences in the future.
“Globally, about eight million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans every year. We must act now to prevent plastics from ending up in landfills and water bodies,” he said.
Dr. Antwi announced that the schools would participate in a three-month plastic recovery exercise, after which their performance would be evaluated. Outstanding schools and students will be recognised during an awards ceremony later this year.
Programme Manager of the Ocean Tribe Foundation, Ms. Saviour Agyei, said Ghana generates approximately 800,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which remains uncollected and contributes to environmental pollution.
She stressed the importance of education, community participation and behavioural change in addressing plastic pollution and protecting marine ecosystems.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary schools, Mr. David Aheto welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that would equip students with practical skills and knowledge in environmental sustainability.
He expressed confidence that the programme would inspire students to become active contributors to waste reduction, recycling and environmental protection efforts within their communities.
The initiative is expected to contribute to broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution, support local recycling industries and promote sustainable environmental practices among Ghana’s youth.
