Head of Research, Development and Innovation at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Dr. Rebecca Yandam, has called for stricter enforcement of environmental and sanitation laws to improve waste management in Ghana.
She made this call at the launch of the University of Ghana’s Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) Alumni and Student Association, which took place at the University’s International House.
Dr. Yandam remarked that effective governance goes beyond policy, stressing that strict enforcement is necessary to change public behaviour.
“Governance includes strict enforcement of the law. We can learn all the theories, we can be trained in everything, but if we do not have strict enforcement of law, then our behavior would not change.”
She also urged policymakers to strengthen collaboration among government, academia and industry to address Ghana’s environmental and waste management challenges.
“My advice to policymakers is to collaborate. One agency cannot solve the problem because when it comes to waste management and environmental issues, it’s an interdisciplinary issue, and so we need partnerships.”
“You need to partner with academia, partner with government, partner with industry. Each of these sectors have different purposes, and together we can achieve the goal.”
Also speaking at the event, Director of the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies, Professor Daniel Nukpezah, emphasized the importance of public education and awareness in improving sanitation.
“The role of public education is key. Sometimes we assume that everybody is supposed to know what is right, but unfortunately that is not the case.”
He explained that increased awareness can improve knowledge, attitudes and ultimately behaviour.
“When you create awareness, it can lead to knowledge, and knowledge can influence our attitude, and the attitude can shape our behaviors.”
Story by Jemima Grant|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Anita Azawodie
