Students from the Department of Public Relations at the University of Media, Arts & Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ) have embarked on a digital lobbying initiative aimed at ending the use of single-use plastics in Ghana. This ambitious campaign, driven by Level 400 Public Relations and Marketing students enrolled in the Government Relations and Public Affairs course (CSPR 409), comes at a time when environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices are more urgent than ever.
The campaign seeks to engage policymakers, government regulators, and environmental agencies to advocate for stricter legislative measures that curb the proliferation of single-use plastics. By leveraging digital media tools, the student group aims not only to highlight the negative impacts of plastic waste but also to propose viable alternatives that can help mitigate the growing crisis.
Drawing on alarming data from the World Economic Forum—which warns that 8 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into the oceans annually and projects that, without decisive action, plastic could outnumber fish by 2050—the students are positioning their campaign as a crucial step toward achieving sustainable environmental practices in Ghana.
Engaging the Public Through Digital Platforms
Central to the initiative is a robust digital strategy that employs stakeholder engagement, media advocacy, and social media activism. Through a series of online events such as webinars, interactive sessions on X Spaces, and multimedia storytelling, the campaign intends to foster a broad-based public dialogue on the need for immediate policy action. The public is invited to join the movement by using the hashtag BanSingleUsePlasticsGH on social media, thereby amplifying the campaign’s message and encouraging widespread participation.
The UniMAC-IJ digital lobby is a collaborative effort that brings together environmental activists, civil society organizations, policymakers, and social media influencers. This united front aims to create momentum for legislative reforms that will address the challenges of plastic pollution head-on. By mobilizing diverse groups and harnessing the power of digital platforms, the campaign underscores the role that informed, grassroots activism can play in effecting change.
The initiative has already begun to attract attention as it lays the groundwork for a potential policy shift regarding single-use plastics in Ghana. For those interested in learning more or participating in this environmental movement, further inquiries can be directed to Amanda Amamu at unimacdigitallobby2025@gmail.com or by calling 0552727313.
This student-led campaign not only highlights the pressing need for legislative action but also serves as an inspiring example of how digital advocacy can contribute to global efforts in combating plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.
