By Adade Gyamfi Plastic has become one of the world's most widely used materials. Since large-scale production began in the 1950s, global plastic production has grown exponentially because of its versatility, durability, and relatively low cost. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world now produces more than 430 million tonnes of plastic every year. Yet only about nine per cent of all plastic waste is recycled, around 19 per cent is incinerated, while nearly 50 per cent ends up in landfills. The remaining 22 per cent is openly dumped, burned or leaks into rivers, lakes and oceans, making plastic pollution one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. UNEP estimates that the African continent generates approximately 17 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, while recycling rates remain among the lowest globally. I n Ghana, studies by the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and d...
Failure to Meet Citizens' Expectations Is Driving Migration Pressures Across Africa — MTN Ghana Board Chairman
The inability of African countries to meet citizens’ expectations for jobs, economic opportunities and improved livelihoods is contributing to rising migration pressures across the continent, MTN Ghana Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson has said. Dr Yamson said many young Africans were choosing to leave their countries not because migration itself was the problem, but because gaps in economic opportunity, skills development and inclusive growth had created conditions where people felt compelled to seek better prospects elsewhere. Speaking at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Winter Seminar in South Africa on Thursday, July 23, 2026, on the theme “Migration, Economic Opportunity and Africa’s Shared Prosperity: A West African Perspective,” Dr Yamson said governments and businesses must focus on creating economies where citizens can fulfil their aspirations at home. I had the honour of chairing a book launch of our Presidential Chief of Staff on citizen expectations of government. What...