Omanghana
The MTN Media Republic, in partnership with the Ghana Wildlife Society, has organized a bird and butterfly walk at the Legon Botanical Gardens in Accra.
The exercise, held on Saturday, August 29, brought media practitioners together for an interactive exploration of biodiversity, environmental conservation and sustainable living.
Organizers said the event was intended to give journalists direct exposure to nature while strengthening their understanding of emerging environmental and corporate sustainability issues.
Ghana Wildlife Society Warns About Plastic Pollution
The walk was led by Dr. Sandra Owusu-Gyamfi, Executive Director of the Ghana Wildlife Society.
She guided participants through the botanical gardens while providing information about birds, butterflies, natural habitats and the importance of protecting Ghana’s biodiversity.
Owusu-Gyamfi used the event to draw attention to the environmental dangers associated with plastic waste. She explained that discarded plastics gradually break down into microplastics, which can enter water bodies, contaminate ecosystems and threaten marine organisms and other wildlife.
She urged individuals, businesses and communities to reduce their dependence on single-use plastics and adopt environmentally sustainable alternatives in their homes and workplaces.
Owusu-Gyamfi also encouraged participants to observe birds more closely, noting that their behaviour and dependence on healthy ecosystems can teach people important lessons about nature and environmental responsibility.
The Ghana Wildlife Society has organized monthly bird walks since 2012 to promote bird conservation, public education and citizen science.
MTN Highlights Corporate Sustainability Measures
Acting General Manager of Sustainability at MTN Ghana, Mrs. Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, said the nature walk formed part of the telecommunications company’s Sustainability Month activities.
She explained that the company was integrating environmental considerations into its operations rather than treating sustainability solely as a public campaign.
Among the measures being implemented are solar-energy installations at MTN House and other company facilities.
MTN has also introduced waste-recycling initiatives as part of efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and improve the responsible management of materials generated through its operations.
Fiagbenu said small but consistent environmental actions could collectively produce a significant impact.
Media Partners Encouraged to Follow Environmental Priorities
MTN Ghana’s Senior Manager for Corporate Communications, Ms. Efua Falconer, said the company wanted its media partners to remain informed about evolving environmental and sustainability priorities.
She noted that experiential activities allow journalists to engage with conservation issues beyond formal presentations and corporate reports.
Direct participation can help media professionals understand the practical meaning of environmental, social and governance principles and communicate those issues more effectively to the public.
The event also created an opportunity for journalists to interact with conservation professionals and ask questions about biodiversity loss, plastic pollution and corporate environmental responsibility.
MTN Media Republic Commends Participation
President of the MTN Media Republic, Naa Dzagble Ago Quaye, commended members who participated in the exercise.
She described the walk as educational, interactive and physically beneficial, noting that it enabled journalists to learn about conservation while experiencing nature and outdoor recreation.
Participants observed different bird and butterfly species as they moved through the gardens and discussed how urban green spaces contribute to wildlife protection and human well-being.
The collaboration reflects the importance of partnerships among conservation organizations, private companies and the media in building public awareness about environmental threats.
The Ghana Wildlife Society is a non-profit conservation organization and a member of BirdLife International. Its programs focus on protecting species and habitats, empowering communities and promoting ecological sustainability.
Source: Omanghana
