As plastic waste continues to choke Ghana’s drains and wetlands, Green Communities International (GCI) has inaugurated a high-level strategic management board to spearhead a new era of environmental governance and sustainable culture.
The move comes at a critical time as urban waste systems fail to keep pace with rising consumption, leaving the country’s fragile ecosystems increasingly exposed to devastating floods and degradation.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Professor Douglas Boateng, the newly appointed Board Chair of GCI, issued a stern warning against the prioritization of short-term economic gains over ecological preservation.
“We are destroying our environment for gold, but we cannot eat nor drink this gold,” Prof. Boateng stated, calling for a fundamental shift in how society defines and measures wealth.
He emphasized that natural resources must be protected through sustainable practices that outlive political cycles, ensuring that future generations do not inherit a depleted landscape.
The board was officially sworn in by High Court Judge, Justice Solomon Oppong Twumasi. The newly formed leadership team consists of prominent academic and religious figures dedicated to evidence-based responses to climate challenges:
Board Chair: Prof. Douglas Boateng
Vice Chairperson: Rev. Angela Carmen Appiah
Founder/CEO: Prof. De-Graft Owusu-Manu
Board Secretary: Mrs. Matilda Owusu-Manu
Members: Prof. Kingsley Opoku Appiah, Dr. Kenneth Appiah Donkor-Hyiaman, Dr. Christian Sewordor Mensah, and Rev. (Dr.) Nanayaa T. Owusu-Prempeh.
The urgency of GCI’s mandate is underscored by the worsening climate conditions across the country. Prof. De-Graft Owusu-Manu, CEO of GCI, noted that the country’s lack of readiness is becoming a primary threat to livelihoods.
“Every wetland is being flooded; we’re not ready for this,” Prof. Owusu-Manu warned, highlighting that the escalation of plastic pollution is now moving beyond traditional control methods.
Beyond advocacy, GCI is positioning itself as a hub for environmental education. The organization has announced plans to deepen Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards through:
High-level sustainability dialogues, CPD-accredited training with expert facilitators and Professional certification programs aimed at fostering an environmentally conscious workforce.
By combining policy advocacy with professional training, GCI aims to fulfill its core mantra: that the Earth is not ours to own, but a legacy to protect.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Ekow Boakye
