Ghana to implement gradual ban on plastics – Environment Minister
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Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, has said Ghana’s planned ban on plastics will be introduced gradually to allow a smooth transition to more sustainable alternatives.
Speaking at the Environmental Sustainability Summit organised by the Business and Financial Times in Accra, Dr. Muhammed noted that an immediate ban would be problematic without accessible alternatives.
“You do not just ban plastics overnight, because you are dealing with people’s livelihoods and habits,” he said.
He explained that the country must first provide “affordable and practical alternatives before enforcing restrictions.”
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The summit, held under the theme “Ending Plastic Waste in Ghana: A Sustainable Future for All,” included high-level panel discussions and case studies on climate financing, green energy, circular economies, and corporate sustainability.
Ghana produces between 840,000 and 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with more than half left uncollected and only about 9% recycled. Dr. Muhammed said poor waste disposal continues to clog drains, pollute water bodies, and harm public health—costing the country around $6 billion each year, or about 11% of its GDP.
He mentioned that Ghana is currently reviewing successful circular economy models in countries like Rwanda and Kenya, where plastic bans were rolled out with strong recycling systems.
The government’s circular economy strategy, he said, will focus on regulations, local alternatives, and extended producer responsibility.
The Minister also called on Ghanaians to shift their attitudes, pointing out that many still resist using reusable containers simply out of convenience.
Dr. Godwin Acquaye, CEO of Business and Financial Times, raised further concerns about plastic waste, citing research that found microplastics in the reproductive organs of humans.
“So, there was research done outside the country, and they saw microplastics in the testicles of those who were examined. So reproductive organs and fluids have plastics in them. So, the questions are that what children are we giving birth to?” he said.
He urged the government to stick to its circular plastics roadmap and honour global commitments such as those from the Global Plastic Action initiative.
Dr. Acquaye also called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to drive Ghana’s circular economy agenda.
