By Samuel Owusu-Aduomi
Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF) joined forces with Plastic Punch, Ecozoil Limited, and Societe Generale Bank Ghana to organize a high-impact beach cleanup event at the Kumasamba La Bamba Beach in Accra. The event, held under the themes of sanitation, sustainability, and behavior change, drew dozens of volunteers, local stakeholders, environmental experts, and bank staff to restore and rejuvenate the once-littered shoreline.
This cleanup operation, more than just an environmental gesture, represented a fusion of science, sustainability, and social responsibility. It highlighted how partnerships between NGOs, the private sector, and civic-minded organizations can create long-lasting, measurable impacts on Ghana’s natural ecosystems, particularly in the fight against marine plastic pollution.
A Shared Vision for a Cleaner Future
The initiative was not just about picking up plastic—it was a strategic, scientific, and community-centered campaign. It was driven by a collective realization that plastic pollution in Ghana’s coastal areas poses a critical threat to biodiversity, marine life, public health, and tourism.
Peter Asiedu, Executive Director of Nurture Nature Foundation (NNF), captured the significance of the occasion, stating:“This beach cleanup exercise is a true reflection of what can be achieved when civic organizations and corporate institutions join hands. The Citizen Science Methodology used today allows ordinary people to contribute meaningfully to scientific data collection, environmental education, and practical action. The results have been very impressive.”
Asiedu emphasized that for true change to occur, community involvement and behavior change must go hand in hand with clean-up exercises. According to him, “It’s not just about cleaning today; it’s about sustaining the cleanliness by changing our waste disposal habits and educating the next generation.”
Corporate Commitment: Société Générale Bank’s Role
The event was significantly bolstered by the presence and support of Société Générale Bank Ghana, whose staff, led by Managing Director Mr. Hakim Ouzzani, actively participated in the exercise. Dressed in branded ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) gear, bank employees took part in sorting, segregating, and collecting waste along the coastline.
Mr. Ouzzani remarked: “Our participation today aligns with Société Générale’s global commitment to sustainable development. As a bank, we not only manage financial capital but also recognize the importance of preserving natural capital. This initiative is an example of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be translated into real action that benefits our communities and our environment.”
The bank’s commitment was part of its broader SGBG Clean Up Ghana Campaign, which falls under its ESG strategy and aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: UNSDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, UNSDG 14: Life Below Water, UNSDG 15: Life on Land.
Ouzzani also underscored the need for financial institutions to invest not just in economic growth, but in environmental sustainability. “This is not an isolated event,” he said. “We hope to inspire a broader culture of environmental awareness and action among corporate Ghana.”
The Plastic Punch Impact
At the heart of the exercise was Plastic Punch, a Ghana-based environmental NGO that has emerged as a key stakeholder in plastic waste management, particularly in Ghana’s coastal zones. The organization brought technical expertise in waste data collection, waste segregation, and public education.
One of Plastic Punch’s most impactful contributions was demonstrating how collected plastic waste—particularly plastic bottles, sachet water bags, and fishing nets—can be recycled and transformed into useful products, such as eco-bricks, plastic lumber, and household items. This approach promotes the circular economy, where waste is viewed not as garbage, but as a resource.
Plastic Punch’s educational team also engaged participants in short training sessions during the cleanup, explaining the ecological impact of plastic on marine life. One volunteer was surprised to learn that plastic waste consumed by fish could end up on dinner plates, causing serious health issues over time.
The Role of Ecozoil
Ecozoil Limited, known for its contributions to environmental sanitation and marine ecosystem protection, provided critical logistical and technical support for the event. Their staff facilitated waste handling, transported collected refuse to proper recycling and disposal facilities, and ensured safety protocols were followed.
Ecozoil has been instrumental in cleaning Ghana’s coasts for years, especially around key tourist and fishing hubs. Their collaboration with NNF and Plastic Punch helped ensure that this exercise was not a one-off event but part of a sustained environmental intervention program.
According to an Ecozoil representative:“Maintaining our beaches isn’t only about cleaning—it’s about changing attitudes. We are proud to collaborate with organizations like NNF and Plastic Punch who are driving long-term change.”
Community Involvement and Education
One of the most inspiring aspects of the event was the diverse participation from community members, local youth groups, and environmental clubs. Children as young as 10 joined in, collecting litter and learning first-hand about the importance of ocean health. Several working teams even engaged in impromptu beach soccer once the area was cleared—a testament to how quickly a polluted environment can be transformed into a vibrant, communal space.
The event was designed with a Citizen Science approach, where volunteers were taught how to categorize waste, record their findings, and understand the environmental data being generated. This approach bridges the gap between scientific research and public action, giving people the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about their environmental footprint.
Key Highlights and Results
The beach cleanup exercise at Kumasamba La Bamba Beach yielded outstanding results, reflecting the strong coordination, commitment, and collective effort of all participating groups. One of the most remarkable achievements was the collection and sorting of over 500 kilograms of waste, much of which would have otherwise ended up polluting the ocean or harming marine life. This effort showcased the tangible difference a single well-organized initiative can make in restoring coastal environments.
The cleanup brought together four major organizations—Nurture Nature Foundation, Plastic Punch, Ecozoil Limited, and Société Générale Bank—each playing a crucial role in logistics, education, technical expertise, and manpower. Their collaboration exemplified the power of cross-sector partnerships in advancing sustainability goals.
The event saw the active participation of over 80 volunteers, including staff members from Société Générale Bank, environmental experts, local youth groups, and civic-minded individuals. This broad engagement fostered a sense of community ownership and responsibility for the protection of natural spaces.
A key component of the exercise was the segregation of waste into various categories, including plastic, metal, glass, and organic materials. This approach not only ensured efficient recycling and disposal but also educated participants on the importance of proper waste management practices.
In addition to the physical cleanup, educational sessions were held to inform volunteers about the dangers of plastic pollution, its impact on marine ecosystems, and the importance of sustainable waste practices. These interactive discussions helped deepen the understanding of environmental issues while equipping participants with practical solutions.
Perhaps most notably, the freshly cleaned beach space was immediately reused for recreational activities, including spontaneous beach soccer matches among the volunteers. This instant transformation from a polluted site to a usable, joyful space served as a reminder of the benefits that environmental care can bring to local communities.
Sustaining the Momentum
While the event was undeniably successful, stakeholders are already planning future cleanups, education drives, and recycling initiatives. Nurture Nature Foundation has indicated plans to replicate the cleanup model across other coastal communities, with added support from academic institutions and local government.
In his closing remarks, Peter Asiedu emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum:
“This cannot end today. We need every Ghanaian—individuals, companies, schools, churches—to understand that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. NNF remains committed to facilitating these partnerships for a cleaner, healthier Ghana.”