In a bold and united front against Sierra Leone’s mounting plastic pollution crisis, Orange Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), successfully hosted the 2025 Green Run Marathon on June 7, under the impactful theme: “Engage for Earth: Say No to Plastic.”
The event drew hundreds of participants, who took to the streets from Cotton Tree to Kallon Car Park at Aberdeen Beach, turning the heart of Freetown into a stage for environmental activism, civic engagement, and national dialogue on sustainability. Beyond a fitness challenge, the marathon served as a public protest against the unchecked spread of single-use plastics, urging citizens and institutions alike to take decisive action.
In his post-race remarks, Dr. Abubakarr Massaquoi, Executive Chairman of the EPA, issued a sobering warning about the scale and impact of plastic pollution in the country.
“Freetown alone generates 130,000 tons of waste annually—85 percent of which is mismanaged,” he revealed. “This isn’t just about aesthetics or convenience—plastic waste is clogging our drainage systems, fueling floods, damaging ecosystems, and endangering human health.”
Dr. Massaquoi further cited alarming findings from the World Health Organization, noting that the burning of plastics has led to dangerous levels of airborne toxins like dioxins—up to five times above safety thresholds—linked to developmental delays in children, respiratory issues, and even cognitive impairments.
“This is a silent public health emergency,” he said. “And it is costing Sierra Leone not just lives, but livelihoods—especially in our tourism and coastal economies.” He emphasized that the EPA intends to transform the Green Run into an annual eco-festival—not just a race, but a platform for policy engagement, awareness, and innovation.
Edwin Baimba, Director at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, announced that the Government is intensifying its efforts through a National Plastic Policy passed by Cabinet in 2023 after countrywide consultations. The policy, primarily targeting single-use plastics, aims to eliminate them through legislative and economic incentives.
“We are working on an implementation framework that includes a governance structure, institutional mandates, and a financial mechanism to drive enforcement and innovation,” Baimba explained. He confirmed that a draft plastic regulation bill is currently under legal review, and called for accountability from industries that profit from plastic production.
“We must treat plastic not only as a threat, but as a missed economic opportunity,” he said. “Other countries are turning plastic into jobs—Sierra Leone must do the same.”
Representing industry stakeholders, Khalil Bansoon, Supply Chain Manager at Premier Environmental Solutions, announced major investments into local recycling infrastructure.
“We’re building a plant capable of recycling 20 tons of plastic daily,” he stated. “Another 12-ton facility is on the way through international partnerships.” But Bansoon also voiced frustration at bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of municipal support:
“The delay in passing critical legislation is slowing us down. We need stronger collaboration and faster regulatory clarity to attract investment and build momentum.” He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to a circular economy model that transforms plastic waste into economic value while cleaning the environment.
“We don’t see plastic as garbage—we see it as a resource.”
Alpha Bundu, Director of Customer Experience at Orange Sierra Leone, described the marathon as a demonstration of corporate environmental leadership. “Running today was not just about finishing a race—it was about starting a movement,” he said.
Bundu highlighted Orange’s role in environmental action, including the collection of 6.1 tons of beach waste last year and plans to launch a circular economy program focused on recycling electrical and plastic waste.
“We’re not waiting for others to act. We’re inviting every citizen—especially the youth—to be environmental champions in their communities.”
The marathon concluded with a certification ceremony for the top three winners, symbolizing not only athletic triumph but youth empowerment in climate advocacy.
- 1st Place: Gibrilla Kanu
- 2nd Place: Samuel Mansaray
- 3rd Place: Amadu Sajor Samura
In his victory speech, Gibrilla Kanu reminded his peers that winning the race was secondary to the larger mission:
“Plastic pollution is our problem. If we don’t fight for our environment now, we may not have one to fight for later.” With stakeholders from government, private industry, and civil society aligning on a common environmental front, the 2025 Green Run marks a potential turning point in Sierra Leone’s fight against plastic pollution. The race may be over—but the real challenge lies ahead.