Cape Coast, Aug. 28, GNA - The Deputy Minister of Environment and Science, Dr Ghesika Agambila, on Saturday urged residents in the Cape Coast Municipality, particularly the youth to help in efforts to stem the menace caused by plastic- waste.

He said, as future leaders, it was imperative for them to support programmes geared towards environmental protection.

Dr Agambila made the call when he addressed a durbar of school children from Cape Coast and Elmina to launch Operation Chase the Plastics and inaugurated a plastic waste collection point at Cape Coast. The school children had earlier spent about four hours to gather plastic- waste in several parts of the municipality to be sent to Accra for recycling.

The Deputy Minister also introduced Mr James Baako, a native of Amisaano, near Elmina, who had been able to produce a roofing sheet out of plastic-waste.

He expressed concern about the devastating effects of plastic-waste on the country's socio-economic development, and told the children that it was even affecting soil fertility, since the plastics, which are non degradable often get buried deep in the soil.

He gave the assurance that incentives will be given to motivate people to help rid the environment of the menace.

The Presiding Member of the Cape Coast Municipal Assembly, Mr Kojo Anaisie Yarquah, also urged residents to support the programme.