Environmental Sustainability on Waste Segregation and Plastic Reduction: A Shared Responsibility
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability at the just-ended World Environment Day Celebrations held at the centre on June 5, 2026. The day was marked by a virtual lecture on the theme, “Waste Segregation and Plastic Reduction: A Shared Responsibility.” The programme highlighted the critical role of healthcare institutions in protecting public health and the environment through sustainable practices.
The Environmental Health Officer at UGMC, Naomi Boafo, delivered a presentation on effective waste segregation in healthcare facilities which emphasized that proper classification, segregation, and disposal of healthcare waste were essential for preventing infections, reducing occupational hazards, protecting the environment, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Ms. Boafo explained that healthcare waste should be segregated at the point of generation into designated categories, including highly infectious waste, infectious waste, pharmaceutical waste, sharps, and general waste. She further highlighted the importance of adhering to colour-coded disposal systems and safe waste-handling procedures in hospital in order to minimize risks to patients, healthcare workers, and the wider community. According to Ms. Boafo, improper waste segregation remains a significant contributor to needlestick injuries, healthcare-associated infections, and environmental contamination.
The National Coordinator of the Ghana Youth Environmental Movement (GYEM), Glory E. Appiah, who explained the relationship between plastic waste and climate change. Speaking on the theme “Plastic Waste and Climate Change: Understanding the Environmental Impact,” Ms. Appiah highlighted the environmental consequences of plastic production, consumption, and disposal. She noted that plastics, which are largely derived from fossil fuels, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle and remain one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.
Ms. Appiah pointed to the growing burden of plastic pollution in Ghana, where thousands of metric tonnes of plastic waste are generated daily, with only a small percentage recycled. The resulting pollution, she explained, affects ecosystems, marine life, public health, and local economies.
Ms. Appiah encouraged participants to adopt sustainable practices, including reducing dependence on single-use plastics, properly segregating waste, participating in community clean-up exercises, and promoting environmental awareness within their communities.
The World Environment Day programme forms part of UGMC's ongoing efforts to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and sustainability. Through education and awareness, the Centre continues to promote practices that support a safer healthcare environment while contributing to broader environmental protection goals.
