He stressed that climate action was non-negotiable and urged citizens to support environmental protection through proper waste management, tree planting, biodiversity conservation, and activities that reduce flooding and environmental degradation.  

Mr Abbas made the call during the celebration of the 2026 World Environment Day in Winneba.  

The event was organised by the EPA in partnership with Pesheng Rock Limited, Tonisco Ghana Limited, F.J. Rocky, Nixxin Paper Products, Pilot Quarry, Nsoket Quarry, the Effutu Office of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Effutu Municipal Assembly, and Haoxin Quarry.  

The celebration brought together directors of education, school heads, teachers, and students from the Awutu Senya East Municipality, Awutu Senya West District, Effutu, Gomoa East, Gomoa Central, Gomoa West, Agona West, and Agona East, as well as EPA staff and environmental advocates.  

As part of activities marking this year’s celebration, the EPA Kasoa Area Office organised climate change sensitisation programmes in 20 junior high schools across the Effutu Municipality and Gomoa East District.  

The sessions focused on the causes and effects of climate change, as well as practical mitigation and adaptation measures. Tree seedlings were also distributed to participating schools to be planted around their compounds as windbreaks and to promote greening initiatives.  

An innovative feature of the programme was the introduction of the Best Climate Action Initiative Schools Competition. Participating schools were assessed based on climate change knowledge, the functionality of environmental clubs, waste management practices, greening efforts, and overall environmental cleanliness.  

The global theme for this year’s celebration was “Climate Action,” while Ghana adopted the theme “Building a Climate-Resilient Ghana through Responsible Stewardship,” with the slogan “Climate: No Negotiation.”  

World Environment Day is observed annually to raise awareness and encourage action on pressing environmental challenges.  

Mr Abbas noted that the theme represented more than a slogan, describing it as a call to action.  

“Building resilience is not optional. It requires responsible stewardship from government, educators, parents, and the young people who will inherit the world,” he said.  

He encouraged schools and community members to translate environmental lessons into daily actions by practising proper waste management, maintaining clean surroundings, planting trees, and using resources responsibly.  

Mr Reginald Eduafo Mensah, Deputy Director of Human Resource Management and Development at the Effutu Office of the Ghana Education Service, also called for collective efforts to protect, preserve, and restore the environment for present and future generations.  

He observed that climate change was no longer a distant threat and emphasised that education remained one of the most effective tools for promoting environmental sustainability by equipping people with the knowledge, values, and attitudes needed to take positive action.  

Mr Mensah said the GES would continue to promote environmental awareness through environmental clubs, tree-planting exercises, sanitation campaigns, and practical lessons on sustainable living.  

He urged learners, as future custodians of the environment, to cultivate sustainable habits such as planting trees, avoiding littering, conserving water and energy, protecting biodiversity, and serving as ambassadors for climate action.  

“Let us move beyond words and renew our commitment to building a Ghana that is environmentally sustainable, economically prosperous, and socially responsible. Let us translate our commitment into concrete actions and leave a lasting legacy for future generations,” he said.  

The Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, Rev. Atta Mensah, underscored the importance of collaboration in building climate resilience.  

He said effective climate action required the involvement of government institutions, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, farmers, fisherfolk, schools, and businesses.  

According to him, climate-related challenges demand urgent and coordinated action, including improving drainage systems, enforcing land-use regulations, establishing community flood-response mechanisms, addressing deforestation, promoting tree planting and agroforestry, and protecting natural ecosystems.  

“Climate resilience is a shared responsibility. Let us all adopt environmentally responsible behaviours,” he stated.  

He further called on traditional leaders to champion sustainable land use, businesses to invest in environmentally friendly practices, civil society organisations and the media to continue creating awareness and promoting accountability, and government agencies to enforce environmental laws and policies.  

“Together, we can protect our environment, secure livelihoods, and build a healthier and safer municipality for future generations. We remain committed to practical actions that will make Effutu a model climate-resilient municipality,” Rev. Mensah added.  

As part of efforts to encourage proper waste management, grass trimmers and waste bins were presented to all participating schools to support waste segregation and inspire similar initiatives elsewhere.  

The event concluded with a ceremonial tree-planting exercise around the Effutu M/A Junior High School compound, where the celebration was held.