As Ghana joined the global community in marking World Environment Day 2025, voices from across the country rang out loud and clear: it’s time for concrete national action to end plastic pollution.

Led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Sogakope, and echoed by many public and private stakeholders, the call for a comprehensive plastic policy is intensifying. Derek Ashia Logo, EPA Area Head for Sogakope, referred to plastic pollution as “a national emergency hiding in plain sight,” citing the damaging effects of single-use plastics across the southern Volta region and beyond.

At Soko Bags, this message hits close to home. We are a company born from the desire to be part of the solution. Our reusable bags, many of which are created using upcycled materials, offer a sustainable alternative to the free plastic bags still handed out in many retail shops.

The theme for this year’s World Environment Day was “Ending Plastic Pollution”, and Ghana’s response was a powerful mix of advocacy and grassroots action. Proposals put forward by Mr. Logo include:

  • Environmental taxes on harmful plastics

  • Mandatory surcharges for single-use plastic bags

  • Pollution permits for manufacturers

  • Deposit-refund systems to promote recycling

  • Mandatory biodegradable materials

Notably, EPA Sogakope, in collaboration with Wasteman Ghana, is launching a data-driven pilot in schools to recover over 800,000 sachet water plastics for recycling. These efforts are further tied into the “One Child, One Tree” initiative, using collected plastics to cultivate and distribute tree seedlings, an innovative way to link waste recovery with reforestation.

We’re inspired by this bold vision. At Soko Bags, we’re doing our part by:

  • Producing eco-friendly bags from upcycled clothing

  • Supporting community-based education on plastic alternatives

  • Partnering with organizations that advocate for sustainable practices

Change starts with awareness, but it must be followed by action. We’re proud to be aligned with Ghana’s environmental champions and committed to doing our part in helping Ghana #BeatPlasticPollution.

Let’s keep pushing forward, one bag at a time.