Monrovia – The Secretary General of ActionAid International, Arthur Larok, has called for a nationwide campaign to eliminate plastic waste from Liberia’s streets.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
Larok, who is on a visiting mission to the organization’s activities in Liberia, warned that the growing accumulation of plastics is worsening environmental degradation and undermining efforts to address climate change.
Speaking to journalists in Monrovia on the climax of his visit to Liberia, Larok said the country should prioritize tackling the root causes of climate change rather than relying solely on tree-planting initiatives.
“I am saddened by the stockpile of plastic – it’s sad. No matter how many trees we plant or replant, unless we remove the underlying drivers, we cannot achieve meaningful progress. We must remove plastics from our environment.”
He said plastic pollution has become a major environmental challenge, contributing to the degradation of communities and ecosystems, and as such, he urged both the government and citizens to take practical action.
“We should start a plastic-free Liberia. It is a local campaign that can be so impactful,” he said, stressing that lasting environmental change will only come through collective action.
Larok also called for greater investment in renewable energy and sustainable farming practices as part of efforts to promote climate justice and build resilience against the effects of climate change.
Beyond environmental concerns, the ActionAid International Secretary General stressed the need for increased domestic resource mobilization to finance development priorities, saying African countries must strengthen their capacity to fund their own development agenda.
He noted that ActionAid has maintained a significant presence in Liberia since 1997, supporting initiatives aimed at advancing women’s rights, including efforts to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) and promote gender equality.
The ActionAid International chief scribe says governments must invest more in creating alternative livelihood opportunities, particularly for women, to ensure sustainable development and reduce economic vulnerability.
“We need to invest more as government and as people for the good of society. We must offer alternative livelihood options, especially for women, to enhance sustainability.”
He further argued that women should be fully included in national budget discussions to ensure their concerns are reflected in public spending decisions.
“Development is political, and resources will always be constrained, but women must be included in budget allocation discussions so that their issues are brought to the table,” he said.
Larok also urged policymakers to develop a stronger youth agenda by expanding opportunities for young people to participate in political processes and national decision-making.
He encouraged African countries to preserve and promote the continent’s positive cultural traditions while pursuing inclusive and sustainable development.
Despite the challenges facing Liberia, Larok said the country offers valuable lessons in resilience and community-driven development, adding that much can be learned from Liberia’s experience.
