By: Aminata Sesay
The Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Mima Yema Mimi Sobba Stephens, last week officially launched Go Circular Week 2026, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting a plastic-free environment and strengthening sustainable waste management practices.
The launch, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, featured a high-energy “Walk for Action” that began at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and ended at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. The symbolic march was designed to raise public awareness and maintain momentum around the urgent need to address plastic pollution across the country.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project and the Resilient Urban Sierra Leone Project, with support from the World Bank and PROBLUE.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Stephens emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting the environment. She noted that responsible waste management practices such as reducing plastic use, recycling materials, and reusing resources—are essential to addressing the country’s growing waste challenges.
She also highlighted the potential of converting organic waste into valuable products such as fertilizer, explaining that such practices can boost agricultural productivity while helping to preserve Sierra Leone’s coastal environment and communities.
The Deputy Minister raised concerns about the consequences of poor waste disposal, including blocked drainage systems, marine pollution, and emerging health risks linked to microplastics in food and water. She called on young people and students to take active roles as environmental advocates by promoting sustainable practices within their communities.
As part of the launch activities, participants visited the Kingtom Dumpsite, where Premier Enviro Solutions demonstrated innovative waste management approaches. The company showed how plastic waste can be transformed into durable construction materials such as bricks, contributing to both environmental protection and sustainable development.
Go Circular Week 2026 is expected to drive nationwide engagement and encourage long-term behavioral change in waste management as Sierra Leone intensifies efforts to combat plastic pollution and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.