In a bold move to combat plastic pollution, Ummy Relief Foundation, in collaboration with Technology Without Borders, Rotary EndPlasticSoup, Regional Group, and Neighbourhood Forest, has launched a public sensitisation campaign targeting market traders and shop owners in Tamale.
The campaign forms part of the week-long Eco-Plastics Week Celebration, aimed at raising awareness of plastic pollution and encouraging responsible waste disposal practices in the Tamale Metropolis.
Tackling Plastic Waste at the Source
With a specific focus on hotspots like the Tamale Central Market and Aboabo Market, the campaign educated traders on the dangers of improper disposal of non-biodegradable materials, such as polythene bags and sachet water rubbers, which commonly clog drains and litter public spaces.
Volunteers and team members from the Foundation visited the markets to educate traders on practical eco-friendly habits, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics, reusing containers, and properly disposing of waste.
“Plastic waste has become a major environmental challenge, especially in our markets,” said Mr. Abdul-Mumin Alhassan, a representative of Ummy Relief Foundation. “We are here to empower the people—especially traders—to understand their role in keeping our environment clean.”
Royal Endorsement for Environmental Action
Before the outreach, the team paid a courtesy call on the Dakpema of Tamale, Naa Fuseini Bawa, to seek his blessing and support for the initiative.
The chief praised the initiative as a timely intervention to address the city’s poor sanitation.
“This campaign is a critical step towards building a cleaner and healthier Tamale Metropolis,” Naa Fuseini Bawa said.
Traders Welcome the Initiative
Many market women and traders expressed their appreciation for the campaign and called for more frequent engagement.
“We hardly get education like this,” said Madam Asana Issah, a vegetable seller at Aboabo Market. “The lack of waste bins and public education has made things worse here. We need more of this and support with waste bins.”
The campaign is part of Ummy Relief Foundation’s broader environmental agenda to support government efforts in improving sanitation and reducing plastic waste across Ghana.
Tamale | Northern Region.
