In a concerted effort to combat the growing pollution of coastal areas, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF) came together for a highly impactful clean-up exercise at the Jamestown Estuary Beach. The initiative, which took place on Saturday, 13th December 2025, brought together Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the Mayor and Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, along with dedicated NNF community volunteers, in a bid to address one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the city: coastal waste management.
The clean-up at Jamestown Estuary highlighted the severe environmental degradation caused by the influx of waste into the sea, with much of it originating from the nearby lagoon. As the waste continues to flood the shores, it becomes clear that a long-term solution is urgently needed. The AMA, in partnership with the NNF, used this clean-up as an opportunity to raise awareness about the need for a sustainable, community-driven approach to waste management.
A Critical Waste Management Challenge
The state of the Jamestown Estuary Beach was a poignant reminder of the challenges facing the city’s coastal areas. The beach, once a beautiful natural site, has been marred by the accumulation of waste – much of it carried by tides from the nearby lagoon. Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, in his address during the event, pointed out that the waste entering the sea from the lagoon continues to be a significant problem for the city. “The amount of waste brought to the beach was overwhelming, with many areas covered by plastics, Styrofoam, and debris,” he said. “This highlights the urgent need for both improved waste management mechanisms and better waste prevention strategies.”
In his speech, Hon. Allotey emphasized the importance of addressing the root cause of the problem: waste entering the sea. The AMA’s plan, alongside NNF’s support, is to implement systems that will prevent waste from being flushed into the ocean. He proposed the installation of waste sorting mechanisms at key entry points where waste enters the lagoon, preventing it from flowing into the sea. He also advocated for an effective waste management infrastructure, including sorting facilities, that could handle the waste and recycle what can be reused, reducing the burden on landfills.
The Role of Communities in Waste Management
A central theme of the clean-up exercise was the importance of community involvement in maintaining cleaner shores. Hon. Allotey underscored the role of coastal communities in taking responsibility for managing the waste in their area. “Coastal communities must play a leading role in this effort,” he explained. “These communities are the first line of defense in protecting our beaches and preventing waste from entering our oceans.”
NNF’s volunteers were instrumental in the clean-up, with many community members actively participating in waste collection and sorting. The foundation has long advocated for environmental awareness and community-based initiatives to tackle waste. Through programs like this, NNF aims to engage local youth and women, empowering them to take ownership of waste management in their communities. The foundation believes that with proper education and guidance, communities can make a significant impact on reducing waste generation and improving waste disposal practices.
Building a Sustainable Future
The Jamestown Estuary clean-up also served as a stepping stone towards the implementation of broader environmental solutions. In addition to the waste collection, there were discussions about the importance of building a robust sanitation infrastructure, including coastal defense systems to prevent erosion and protect vulnerable shorelines from damage caused by rising sea levels. The AMA and NNF also highlighted the need to create sanitation corps within these communities, tasked with the ongoing responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of the coast.
The clean-up event also shone a light on the success of waste segregation at the source. Volunteers noted the significant reduction in plastics found along the beach, thanks to effective waste sorting. Much of the plastic waste was collected for recycling, demonstrating the potential benefits of source separation. As the government continues to push for more comprehensive waste management strategies, this initiative could serve as a model for other coastal communities.
A Unified Effort for a Cleaner Accra
The success of the Jamestown Estuary clean-up illustrates the power of collaboration. The combined efforts of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, the Nurture Nature Foundation, and the local community are a shining example of what can be achieved when government, non-governmental organizations, and citizens work together to protect the environment. As part of the partnership, the AMA has committed to mobilizing resources and working alongside the NNF to ensure that the progress made during the clean-up is sustained.
NNF’s focus on education and community engagement is crucial in ensuring the longevity of such efforts. The foundation continues to advocate for sustainable waste management practices, and its commitment to promoting better practices within coastal communities remains unwavering.
A Call to Action
The clean-up at Jamestown Estuary is just the beginning. Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey has promised to continue supporting initiatives that address the waste challenges along Greater Accra’s coastline. He has committed to engaging more community leaders and NGOs in raising awareness about the importance of waste reduction and management. Furthermore, both the AMA and NNF are calling for greater government investment in waste management infrastructure and stricter policies to prevent the accumulation of waste on beaches and in oceans.
As Accra’s coastline faces increasing threats from pollution, the efforts of the AMA and NNF serve as a blueprint for sustainable environmental practices. The clean-up not only cleared the beach of waste but also reinforced the message that every individual has a role to play in protecting the environment. It is a call to action for all residents of Accra to take pride in their city, to help protect its natural beauty, and to become active participants in preserving the environment for future generations.
NNF seeks support from the government and all stakeholders for sustainable clean-up initiatives and sensitization on best waste management practices. The foundation continues to engage with community volunteers in the Ga Mashie Traditional Area and beyond, aiming to expand their efforts and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. Through continued partnership, education, and commitment, we can ensure that our coastlines remain clean, our oceans are protected, and our communities are empowered to take ownership of their environment.