By Mamajah Jalloh
On Thursday, August 8, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a national dialogue aimed at eliminating plastic usage across Sierra Leone, following the lead of many other African countries that have already moved forward on this issue. The national plastic policy dialogue took place at the New Brookfields Hotel on Jomo Kenyatta Road, New England Ville, Freetown.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister and the Executive Chairman of the EPA, Chief Director Sheku Mark Kanneh highlighted the importance of this engagement, noting the presence of all necessary stakeholders to address plastic management and waste. “This engagement is vital for us to handle plastic waste together with stakeholders,” he said.
Kanneh emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to tackle plastic waste, bringing greetings from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. He pointed out that the Executive Chairman of the EPA in India should understand Sierra Leone’s capabilities and represent them in a way that involves private sector partners, colleagues from ministries, departments, agencies, media groups, facilitators, and other stakeholders in addressing this pressing issue.
“I am delighted to be here this morning to discuss the plastic issues we are facing and to welcome you all to the opening of these engagements,” Kanneh stated. He noted the global rise in plastic waste and the need for an intergovernmental approach to develop a legally binding instrument on plastic and heat pollution reduction.
Kanneh also mentioned that this year, the Executive Director of the United Nations program and authorities are preparing for the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee. The committee has made significant progress in drafting agreements to reduce plastic pollution, with cooperation from member countries.
“We are here today as a country to discuss our position for the final document and to empower our negotiators to advocate strongly in the post-Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee,” Kanneh explained. He emphasized the importance of the EPA and its team in preparing for these negotiations, ensuring a strong national stance.
The EPA aims to arm itself with a comprehensive understanding of the issues so that Sierra Leone can actively participate in the global effort to reduce plastic pollution. Kanneh concluded by thanking everyone for their participation and expressing hope for fruitful negotiations that will benefit the nation.
