As part of its comprehensive coastal sanitation programme, Ecozoil Ghana has successfully cleaned the Cape Coast Castle beach. This initiative, which came off Friday, September 6, 2024 along the beaches of Cape Coast, was aimed at maintaining a clean beach environment.
The General Manager of Ecozoil Ghana, Madam Abitha Odame-Nyanteh, emphasised the company’s dedication to preserving clean beaches as a vital component of their broader project. She explained that this project encompasses various aspects, including beach cleaning, coast guard services, public education and awareness campaigns and the training and deployment of lifeguards.
She highlighted Ecozoil Ghana’s commitment to ensuring a clean beach environment during the festival and beyond: “We are here in Cape Coast to guarantee a clean beach for the duration of the festival and beyond. To achieve this, we have strategically placed waste bins and stationed workers to collect litter. We urge everyone to refrain from littering and support our efforts in maintaining a serene environment,” she noted.
The President of the Concerned Citizens of Cape Coast, Prophet Victor Quarm, commended Ecozoil for their dedication to the community. According to him, the company’s consistent efforts in maintaining a clean environment are truly appreciated.
Ms Sarah, a brigadier with Ecozoil, shared some of the challenges her team faced while cleaning the beaches. “Despite our efforts, we encountered instances of mockery from locals and continued littering. It’s disheartening to see our hard work undone so quickly. Some individuals even continue to defecate along the shores, making our task more challenging. At times, it’s emotionally draining, but we remain committed to our mission of maintaing a clean envorinment.”
The Chronicle would like to commend Ecozoil for this initiative, which is not just about tidying up the beaches, but represents a broader mission of environmental stewardship, corporate responsibility and community engagement.
While the clean-up drive was significant in maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the beach and supporting the festivities, it also highlighted the stark environmental challenges the region faces.
One cannot overlook the admirable work by the Ecozoil’s team, led by General Manager Madam Abitha Odame-Nyanteh. Their efforts are more than a mere corporate social responsibility project. They reflect a genuine commitment to preserving the environment, as seen in their multifaceted approach that includes not just cleaning but also coast guard services, public education and lifeguard training
The decision to clean the beaches during a significant cultural event like the Fetu Afahye was both symbolic and strategic. Festivals attract large crowds and without proper waste management such gatherings can leave behind an ecological disaster. The provision of waste bins, litter collection stations and a dedicated team of workers were thoughtful measures. The Chronicle is happy that the company’s broader vision goes beyond just the festival, but also to sustain a clean environment beyond the celebrations.
This long-term view reflects the importance of community participation in sustaining such projects. It is not enough for corporate entities like Ecozoil to initiate these drives alone. We believe communities must also embrace the culture of environmental cleanliness.
However, the initiative also exposed deep-rooted challenges including local resistance, public mockery and the distressing continuation of littering and open defecation along the shore. These challenges reflect the larger issue of public attitudes towards environmental cleanliness and sanitation.
The difficulty in changing behaviors, especially in areas where littering and unsanitary practices have become ingrained cannot be underestimated. To address these challenges, public education and awareness campaigns must become more central to environmental initiatives. This includes engaging local leaders, schools, and cultural institutions to build an environmental consciousness.
Moreover, these campaigns should not be limited to the festive season. If anything, they need to be year-round endeavors that consistently remind the community of the importance of maintaining a clean environment. A cleaner Cape Coast benefits not only the local population but also the tourism sector, which heavily relies on the aesthetic and environmental appeal of the beaches and historical sites.
