By Davida Spaine Solomon-Solomon
Freetown, 1st April, 2026 – Freetown’s streets came alive on Tuesday as government officials, development partners, students, and environmental activists marched together to launch Go Circular Week 2026, a national campaign against plastic pollution.
The “Walk for Action,” which began at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and ended at the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, was more than symbolic. It was a rallying cry against the dangers of single-use plastics and a call for Sierra Leoneans to embrace recycling and responsible waste management.
Launched in 2024 with support from the World Bank and other partners, Go Circular Week has grown into a flagship initiative promoting a shift from a “use-and-dispose” culture to a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled.
Mary Jalloh, Project Coordinator for the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), explained that the campaign began as a way to measure the scale of plastic waste but has evolved into a movement focused on changing public behavior. “We are now driving practical solutions to reduce dependence on single-use plastics,” she said.
Louise Twining-Ward, Global Sector Lead for Tourism at the World Bank, noted that the institution has supported the initiative for four years under the PRO-Blue programme, working closely with ministries and private sector actors.
At the closing point of the walk, Senior Permanent Secretary Judith C. Jones, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, warned that plastic pollution is undermining Sierra Leone’s tourism potential. “Waste along our beaches damages the country’s image and deters visitors,” she said, highlighting measures such as tax incentives for green businesses, certification for eco-friendly hotels, and plans for a small-scale recycling facility along the coastline.
Delivering the keynote, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Mima Yema Mimi Sobba-Stephens, declared: “Today, we have not just taken a walk, we have taken a stand.” She urged Sierra Leoneans to embrace the culture of reducing, reusing, and recycling, warning that plastic pollution continues to block drainage systems, pollute oceans, and pose health risks.
The economic potential of recycling was also showcased. Khalil Bahsoon, Supply Chain Manager at Premier Enviro Solutions Ltd., explained how the company buys plastic waste from local collectors and transforms it into paving tiles and blocks.
Throughout the week, workshops, exhibitions, and community engagements will spotlight circular economy practices. Authorities say they hope the campaign will spark long-term behavioural change and significantly reduce plastic pollution nationwide.
