Since the 1950s, global plastic waste production has surged dramatically, reaching over 400 million metric tons annually in recent years, with much of this waste ending up in oceans and harming marine life.

Coastal pollution from plastic waste is critically threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities in Ghana, with only about 10% of the 12,700 tons of daily waste properly managed and roughly 9% of plastic waste reaching the ocean.

Plastic debris causes biodiversity loss among marine species such as turtles, seabirds, and fish through ingestion and entanglement, while also damaging critical habitats like coral reefs and mangroves.

Plastic pollution increases operational costs for fishermen and fishmongers and reduces fish availability, threatening the livelihoods of millions involved in fishing activities.

This plastic pollution has severely impacted Ghana's vital fishing industry by reducing fish stocks, contaminating catches, and damaging landing sites, which contributed to a decline in fish catches from 343,800 metric tons in 2014 to 309,320 metric tons in 2019.

Experts highlight the urgent need for improved waste management, increased recycling, stricter regulations, and greater community involvement to meet SDG 14 targets and protect marine ecosystems.

Recommended actions include enhancing waste management systems, promoting eco-friendly packaging, enforcing stricter waste laws, and engaging communities and industries in pollution reduction efforts.

Ghana has established legal frameworks such as the Maritime Pollution Act of 2016 and the National Plastics Management Policy to combat marine pollution, but enforcement is hampered by limited resources, funding, and community engagement.

Failure to address plastic pollution risks Ghana missing SDG 14 targets, leading to environmental degradation, threats to public health, food security, and the long-term sustainability of marine resources.