Ghana’s first major conference addressing plastic pollution convened in Accra, initiating a crucial national dialogue on sustainable action.
The Green Palette Stakeholders Conference brought together environmental advocates, industry leaders, policymakers, creatives, and development partners to confront the urgent challenge of plastic waste.
Hosted by Green Palette, an Environmental, Social and Governance initiative of Koranteng & Koranteng Legal Advisors, the event operated under the theme “Beyond Plastic: Collaborative Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow.”
UN Global Compact Network Ghana Executive Director Tolu Kweku Lacroix delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the plastic crisis’s global and local dimensions.
“There is an urgent need to invest in systems that reward innovation, circularity and long-term impact,” Lacroix stated. A core panel discussion examined Ghana’s plastic waste management status, policy gaps, grassroots innovation, private sector accountability, and green finance opportunities.
Participants included Joseph Yeboah of UNIDO Ghana; Makafui Awuku, CEO of MCKINGTORCH Africa; Efia Adofoahwaa of Fidelity Bank’s Sustainable Finance unit; and artist Salim Ahmed. Moderator Ebenezer Amankwah steered the discussion toward context-specific solutions aligned with global ESG frameworks.
A dedicated segment showcased anti-plastic initiatives from corporations, advocacy groups, and creatives. In closing remarks, Green Palette Director and Koranteng & Koranteng Managing Partner Afua Koranteng affirmed the private sector’s critical role. “This is just the beginning,” Koranteng announced, revealing that conference insights would form a national green paper guiding future ESG policy and partnerships.
“We are building a coalition committed to transforming how Ghana engages with plastic, from consumption to policy, from waste to opportunity.” Attendees pledged support for public education through storytelling and digital advocacy.
The conference established a foundation for sustained cross-sector collaboration on Ghana’s plastic pollution, coinciding with growing environmental strain in urban centers like Accra where waste management infrastructure struggles with high consumption rates.
