The Africa Centre for Nature-Based Climate Action (AC4NCA) has organised a beach clean-up exercise at Chorkor in Accra as part of its ongoing project to use storytelling and participatory engagement to address marine and coastal pollution.

The activity, held last Saturday, involved the removal of plastic waste and other pollutants from sections of the Chorkor coastline.

The exercise was designed not only as an environmental intervention but also as an opportunity for community members to share their experiences and perspectives on marine pollution and the changing conditions of Ghana’s coastline.

AC4NCA was partnered by the Pulitzer Center, PADI Foundation and Jospong Group for the exercise, which brought together community members, young people, volunteers and partners to take practical action towards addressing plastic pollution and protecting Ghana’s coastal ecosystems.

The collaboration also seeks to amplify local voices and highlight the experiences of coastal communities affected by marine pollution.

During the exercise, participants collected tonnes of plastic bottles, sachet materials, fishing-related waste and other forms of litter from the beach.

The exercise also provided an opportunity for awareness creation with residents about waste management, marine pollution and the need for greater community participation in protecting coastal ecosystems.

Community involvement

Explaining the rationale for the exercise, the acting Executive Secretary of AC4NCA, Juliet Osei-Wusu, said meaningful climate action must involve the communities directly affected by environmental challenges.

“Our approach is to move beyond simply talking about climate and environmental challenges.

We want to listen to communities, understand their experiences and create opportunities for them to participate in finding solutions.

The Chorkor clean-up demonstrates what can happen when community voices and action come together.”

She further stated that the initiative formed part of its broader commitment to promoting nature-based climate action, environmental awareness and community-led solutions to Ghana’s growing environmental challenges.

The Project Manager of AC4NCA, Emmanuel Ameyaw, said storytelling was an important component of the project because it allowed communities to document and communicate their lived experiences of environmental change.

“Every community has a story to tell about its environment.

Through this project, we are creating a platform for people in Chorkor to share their experiences of marine pollution, changes in the coastline and the impact these challenges have on their livelihoods.

These stories can help shape public awareness and inspire action.

“AC4NCA  believes that combining practical environmental action with storytelling and participatory engagement can help ensure that the experiences and knowledge of vulnerable coastal communities inform wider conversations on climate resilience and sustainable development,” Mr Ameyaw stated.

The Chorkor activity is expected to be followed by further engagement with community members and stakeholders as the project continues.