By Buertey Francis BORYOR & Evelyn ARTHUR
Korean companies in Ghana, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and environmental NGO Plastic Punch, carried out a major beach clean-up at the Regional Maritime University (RMU) Beach in Nungua, Accra.
The event, held ahead of World Ocean Day, brought together volunteers to remove waste from the shore and raise awareness about plastic pollution.
The clean-up involved Korean businesses such as AFKO Fisheries Co. Ltd., KH Medical Africa Centre, KOLON Global Corporation, Korea House Ninano, Koreana Bus Co. Ltd. and SSK Marine Co. Ltd.
Staff from the Embassy of Korea, led by Ambassador Park Kyongsig, also participated along with representatives from Korean government agencies including KOICA, KOFIH, KOPIA, KEITI and Korea EXIM Bank.
Head of the Korean community in Ghana, Mr. Lee Young Gyu also joined the effort.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Park said the clean-up reflects his country’s commitment to Ghana’s environmental goals. He said the activity strengthens Ghana-Korea relations and shows how Korean businesses are supporting sustainable development in the country.
“This initiative is part of our corporate social responsibility to protect the environment and build a cleaner future for all,” the Ambassador said.
Mr. Chun Soon Chul, Managing Director-AFKO Fisheries Co. Ltd., spoke on behalf of the Korean business community. He said their participation shows how businesses can go beyond profit to support social and environmental causes.
“We believe that true success includes caring for the environment and working with communities. This clean-up is one of many ways we hope to contribute to Ghana’s growth,” he said.
Mr. Lee Young Gyu, head of the Korean community, also said Korean companies have created jobs and supported the country’s economy. “We are now focusing on protecting the environment as part of our friendship with the Ghanaian people,” he added.
Plastic Punch adds a scientific touch
The clean-up was guided by the technical expertise of Plastic Punch, led by its Head, Mr. Richmond Kennedy Quarcoo. He said the exercise was not just about removing trash from the beach but also collecting data to inform government policy.
“We have designed a specific approach we call ‘citizen science’. Before we leave the beach today, we will be answering two key questions: What is polluting and who is polluting?
“We are not just picking up trash. We are collecting useful data to support decisions like banning harmful plastics and holding producers responsible for the waste they create,” Mr. Quarcoo elaborated.
He also noted that the collected data will help the country report on its SDG 14.1 indicators, which focus on reducing marine pollution.
“We expect to collect between 1.5 and 2.5 tonnes of marine debris by end of the exercise. The team is focusing not only on collecting the waste but also studying its recyclability, which can help strengthen local recycling systems. It is a knowledge-sharing and data-gathering process that helps us protect our planet and our ocean,” Mr. Quarcoo said.
He thanked the Korean partners for their support and said the exercise sends a strong message ahead of the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in France.
“This is about global cooperation. We have only one ocean and one planet. We all have a duty to protect them,” he said.
He also encouraged people to take simple steps like carrying reusable bags and bottles to reduce plastic use in daily life.
