A total of 740,082 empty sachets were collected during the Happy Man Bitters “Collect, Drop & Win” promotion, an initiative that is helping to reduce plastic pollution and improve sanitation in the Upper East Region.
The promotion, organised by Charger Limited, the parent company of the alcohol brand rewarded individuals who collected and submitted empty sachets, turning what is often seen as waste into an environmental campaign that encouraged cleaner communities.
Speaking at a ceremony to award the winners of the promotion, the Chief Executive Officer of Charger Limited, Emmanuel Bortey Borketey, said the initiative was designed not only to reward loyal customers but also to promote responsible sanitation practices.
According to him, the campaign aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
He noted that improper disposal of plastic sachets remains one of Ghana’s major environmental challenges, often leading to choked gutters, flooding, land pollution, and poor sanitation in many communities.
“Today, we celebrate all participants as ambassadors of positive change because they contributed to keeping the environment clean,” he said adding; “These initiatives reflect our belief that businesses must not only make profits but also create meaningful impact in the lives of the people”.
Environmental advocates have long warned about the growing menace of plastic waste in Ghana, especially single-use plastics that litter streets, water bodies, and public spaces.
The “Collect, Drop & Win” campaign is a practical community-driven approach to reducing pollution while creating economic opportunities.
The overall winner of the promotion, Badesam Kalou from the Kasena-Nankana Municipality, received a cash prize of GH¢50,000 after emerging top among participants.
Kalou said many people mocked her while she moved around collecting empty sachets from the streets, with some even calling her mad.
“I nearly gave up at some point because of what people were saying, but I stayed focused,” she recounted.
She expressed gratitude to Charger Limited for fulfilling its promise and said she intends to invest the prize money into a business.
Other winners also shared similar experiences, revealing that they were initially skeptical about the authenticity of the promotion but were motivated to continue despite public ridicule.
The first and second runners-up took home cash prizes of GH¢ 20, 000 and GH¢ 10, 000 respectively.
The others took home GH¢ 5, 000.
The event was also used to celebrate winners of the Upper East Music Awards and to recognise stakeholders in the region’s entertainment industry.
Artiste of the year, Flamebuoy, was given his prize of GH¢ 30, 000.
Borketey said Charger Limited remains committed to supporting development initiatives in the Upper East Region beyond business activities.
