Inception Event: PROTEGO’s Impactful Launch in Ghana

In October 2024, the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana, hosted a pivotal event in the fight against marine litter—the inception workshop of the PROTEGO project. This event marked the beginning of a transformative initiative aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of plastic waste in the Gulf of Guinea. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety, and spearheaded by adelphi Research gGmbH, PROTEGO is set to run from July 2024 to June 2027, focusing on Ghana and Nigeria.
The inception workshop, held on 16th October 2024, was a resounding success, bringing together key stakeholders, including the Tema Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to brainstorm and develop innovative, sustainable solutions. The workshop served as a platform for fostering synergies and exploring collaborative efforts to protect marine ecosystems in the region. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the participants underscored the importance of this initiative in addressing the pressing environmental challenges posed by marine litter.
As part of the PROTEGO inception tour, the team visited critical locations such as the Ada-East District Assembly and the plastic-infested turtle nesting beach in Ningo-Prampram. These site visits were crucial for understanding the local context and engaging with stakeholders directly impacted by marine pollution. Discussions at these sites focused on identifying effective strategies to mitigate the impact of plastic waste, highlighting the project's emphasis on community involvement and local solutions.
PROTEGO's ambitious goals are not just about reducing plastic waste but also about fostering sustainable practices that can be replicated across the region. By leveraging adelphi's expertise in knowledge management, strategic policy development, and capacity building, the project aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice, creating impactful outcomes for a sustainable and equitable future. The inception event in Ghana has set a promising tone for the project's journey, reinforcing the collective determination to safeguard the marine environment for generations to come.