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Plastic pollution causes harm
Plastic pollution has quickly become one of the world’s most serious environmental problems. This problem is evident in developing countries where the production rate of plastic has outpaced their ability to recycle or how to efficiently dispose of them.
Widespread littering and indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste are increasingly becoming a threat to our existence as plastics pollute the land, water and air. The hazardous impacts of plastics to the environment, human health, marine life and sustainable development cannot be overlooked.
Plastics have become necessary in our daily lives because their benefits are undeniable across sectors, from households, medicine, clothing, agriculture, transport etc. However, plastic pollution has now become an albatross.
Experts say that most plastics are made from fossils, that is, petroleum, and as Ghana is discovering large quantities of oil by the day, it means in a global and circular economy, plastics will reign for some time, if not for a long time.
Single use
A lot of single-use plastics, such as drinking straws, shopping bags, plastic drinking containers, plastic bottle caps, food packaging (Styrofoam, which contains styrene and benzene), among others, have been and are indiscriminately disposed of in an unfriendly and unsightly manner.
This affects our environment and obviously our health. All plastics contain toxic additives, which are used to make them flexible, flame-retardant, or meet other performance demands. The cocktail of these toxic additives that go into making plastics enter the environment when plastics break down.
In the ocean, plastics quickly become microplastics, attracting toxic industrial chemical hitch-hikers. These are incorporated into the food chain and fishes eat them, creating one pathway for toxic microplastic accumulation in larger animals, like us, when we consume fish.
Bio-degradable
Most plastics do not decompose or biodegrade except the bio-based ones. Plastics will remain in the environment, especially the soil and water bodies, for years and even at the end of their decomposition or biodegradation (if they are biodegradable) they are more dangerous.
According to experts, when plastics enter the environment and oceans, they break into minute particles called microplastics and or nanoplastics.
These microplastics enter the food chain and finally end up in the foods we eat. Our bodies do not become the resting places for them, rather they get into the biochemical processes in the body by imitating the natural chemicals (hormones) produced.
Once in the body, these substances can lead to the malfunctioning of the target organs ending up in nervous systems, lungs and reproductive organs. Humans are exposed to a large variety of toxic chemicals and microplastics through inhalation, ingestion, and direct skin contact, all along the plastic life cycle
Consequences
Single use plastics choke drains and create breeding sites for mosquitoes, or when left on dumpsites, where animals sometimes mistake them for food and get choke to death. They are burnt openly causing smoke containing hazardous substances like furan and dioxins, which are cancer causing agents.
Again, plastic waste that ends up in landfills contributes to the contamination of groundwater, land and air pollution. Undisposed plastics can block our drains and lead to flooding.
The stagnant water from pollution-induced flooding also facilitates the outbreak of waterborne diseases like malaria and cholera among vulnerable people living in highly polluted areas.
I believe that, if current practices and attitudes towards the production, handling and disposal of plastics are not modified, then we are heading towards a non-achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the consequences would be more graver than we have today, leaving a heavy burden for the future generations.
The way forward
To reduce the menace of plastic waste is to reduce its production, use and to institute better disposal mechanisms, which must come from research and development to fill existing and future knowledge gaps.
Solutions must be built on transparency, participation and the right to remedy. Transparency is required to identify the nature and breadth of exposure to toxic material, as well as assess possible health and environmental impacts of technologies touted as “solutions,” such as incineration and plastic-to-fuel technologies to find alternatives which would be environmentally friendly.
At every stage of its lifecycle, plastic poses distinct risks to human health, arising from both exposure to plastic particles themselves and associated chemicals.
Addressing plastic pollution requires adapting and adopting legal frameworks to ensure access to information regarding the petrochemical substances in products and processes.
A broader stakeholder consultation is a must to find possible pathways to the legislation in decision-making about plastic-related risks. Let every right – thinking Ghanaian help to accelerate the reduction of plastic waste and pollution in the country. It is our collective responsibility.
By Ernestina Kwakye
The writer, Ernestina Kwakye is a student of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) Writer’s email: frimpomaat75@gmail.com
ALL these forms of responsibility are sustained by one central pillar: spiritual and moral discipline. Without it, knowledge becomes pride, power becomes oppression, and freedom becomes chaos.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The strong man is not the one who overcomes others by his strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” (Bukhari, Hadith 6114)
This control taqwā is the root of responsibility. Imam Al-Ghazali (1105) in Ihya Ulum al-Din wrote that the purification of the soul (tazkiyah al-nafs) is the foundation of all reform. A responsible man disciplines his desires, guards his words, and acts with sincerity, even when no one is watching.
We live in an era of temptation — social media, materialism, and moral relativism challenge our values. But men of faith must rise above these influences and remember that Allah is Al-Raqīb — the Ever-Watchful. Spiritual accountability anchors moral behaviour.
8. Emotional and psychological responsibility
Responsibility also includes taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being. Many men suffer silently under the burden of expectation — believing that showing emotion is weakness.
Yet, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم shed tears, expressed compassion, and sought counsel.
Psychologist Aaron Beck (1976) in Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders emphasised that emotional maturity begins with self-awareness, recognising one’s feelings, and managing them constructively.
Group counselling sessions like this are essential; they help men share, heal, and grow together. No man should walk alone; strength is not isolation, but the courage to seek support. Let us normalise counselling, mentorship, and brotherhood among men. For in unity, we find healing; in shared wisdom, we find growth.
9. The five questions of accountability
The Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The feet of the son of Adam shall not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about five things:
- His life — how he lived it;
- His youth — how he used it;
- His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it;
- His knowledge — how he acted upon it.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2416; also reported in al-Darimi)
This hadith captures the essence of personal accountability — the cornerstone of responsibility in Islam. It reminds every believer that every blessing carries a duty, and every stage of life demands conscious action.
Let’s break it down:
- “His life — how he lived it”
Life is a divine trust (amānah). A responsible man lives with purpose, not pleasure as his goal. He invests his time in doing good, serving others, and seeking Allah’s pleasure. - “His youth — how he used it”
Youth is the most energetic and creative phase — and thus the most accountable. As Ibn al-Qayyim noted in Madarij al-Salikin, “The strength of youth is a blessing, and blessings invite responsibility.” Men must use their youth to build character, gain knowledge, and resist destructive habits. - “His wealth — how he earned it and how he spent it”
Financial integrity is a key part of manhood. Islam demands transparency, fairness, and generosity. The Qur’an warns against wastefulness: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.” (Qur’an 17:27) A responsible man earns lawfully, gives in charity, and spends wisely. - “His knowledge — how he acted upon it”
Knowledge is meaningless if not practiced. Imam Al-Ghazali wrote that knowledge without action is a burden, not a blessing. A responsible man translates his learning into character, leadership, and service.
This Hadith teaches that responsibility in Islam is total and it covers time, energy, wealth, and knowledge. It’s not only about what we achieve, but how we live, how we give, and how we grow.
10. Summary
Responsibility, therefore, is not a single act but a lifestyle — one that touches every sphere of life:
- Educational responsibility empowers us to think and serve.
- Marital and family responsibility keeps our homes strong.
- Environmental responsibility safeguards our future.
- Civic responsibility builds our nation.
- Moral and spiritual responsibility sustains our integrity.
- Emotional responsibility maintains our well-being.
A responsible man is thus an educated mind, a loving heart, a disciplined spirit, and a servant leader. He is not perfect, but he is purposeful.
11. Conclusion
My brothers, as we look toward the future, let us remember the divine reminder:
“The believers, men and women, are protectors of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” (Qur’an 9:71)
Our communities are counting on us — our sisters, mothers, and children look to us for leadership and example. Let us not disappoint them. When we build responsible men today, we build a Ghana that is peaceful, prosperous, and principled.
Let us be men of knowledge and humility, strength and compassion, faith and fairness. And may Allah grant us the wisdom to lead ourselves before we lead others. Āmīn.
Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, Kpone Katmanso Municipal Chief Imam, governance expert and certified counselor.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
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Today, I focus on Ghanaian/African migrants in Finland and their mental health. Mental health is an important subject and a huge problem in the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), brain health is the state of brain functioning across cognitive, sensory, social-emotional, behavioural and motor domains, allowing a person to realise their full potential over the life course, irrespective of the presence or absence of disorders.
Studies have shown that maternal and paternal distress are associated with reduced linear growth of their children. I recently participated in a seminar on mental health among (African) migrants in Finland. We all wondered about the prevalence or incidence of mental illness among migrants in Finland. It will be interesting to know the statistics about mental illness among migrants in Finland.
Mental health in Finland
In Finland, studies have examined how behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress. A correlation is shown between parent and infant psychotherapy on maternal mental health and psychological functioning and children’s welfare.
There are also research and other reports of social child welfare interventions where at times children are even taken away (child removals) from the parent or parents for safe keeping.
Experts say it is important how parents plan their leaves in order to renew or rebuild their mental strength to be able to take good care of their kids.
Anyway, studies are limited about parent-child psychological distress and situations where children are taken away from their parents among minorities, such as African migrants. It will be interesting to know the figures and other aspects of mental health issues among the migrant group(s) in Finland.
Health and migrant vulnerability
Health experts point out that migrant communities can be highly vulnerable to diseases, especially certain infectious diseases. Experts say those who came to Finland as refugees or asylum seekers and their family members are often in a more vulnerable position in terms of their health (see www.thl.fi).
Research and media reports have shown in many countries that there are structural or societal/cultural factors that result in quite high rates of infection or ill-health among migrants, when compared to the majority population.
It is suggested that for example language barrier, lack of information, the nature of the work of migrants in professions where working from home is not possible (for example during the Covid-19 pandemic), not accessing healthcare, etc. can present some of the factors for migrants’ vulnerability to diseases and infections.
Childhood disadvantage
Information about the issue. Such a situation was much evidenced to reduce stress and anxiety during the coronavirus situation.
Thus, these associations and institutions become networks that create an important social capital as well as outlets for sharing and gaining information or knowledge.
Finland is committed to the integration of migrants into the Finnish society, as I keep pointing out. A number of research studies from surveys and other in-depth enquiries have shown a trend of increasing efforts to integrate African and other migrants into the Finnish society.
As the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has pointed out, health and wellbeing are an important part of integration of immigrants in Finland (see www.thl.fi).
There have been studies on whether behavioural risk factors mediate the effects of childhood disadvantage on adult psychological distress and child welfare intervention by social services. Unhealthy behaviours and their associations with subsequent sickness among Finnish young and early midlife employees have been studied.
When it comes to this subject and/or the effect of adult psychological distress on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in Finland, there is limited knowledge.
We should hope for more information to augment understandings about adult psychological distress and effect on children’s wellbeing among African migrants in order to inform policy directions.
Such studies will help to create awareness among migrants in Finland about their mental health, its effect on them and their children’s wellbeing, as well as where to seek therapy.
Migrant associations, social networks, and information
Migrants associations are already doing much to help in education on mental health and have become important points for securing. Public agencies, migrant associations and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Finland have been publishing information to help educate people about their health and wellbeing.
Generally, migrant associations formally create awareness among their members and other migrants usually in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, and are thus an important tool for several migrants to be positively active and to get their interests and claims heard.
As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland. Thank you!
By Perpetual Crentsil
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