By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has stressed the need for a comprehensive feasibility study before any outright ban on plastics in Ghana.
During his vetting before parliament in Accra, he stated that while plastic pollution remains a significant environmental challenge, immediate prohibition without viable and affordable alternatives would have dire socioeconomic consequences.
“You do not just ban something because there is a challenge; you need to look for alternatives. If you do not have alternatives in place before banning, the consequences will be severe,” he explained.
He cited Rwanda’s approach, where a structured transition was implemented before enforcing a nationwide ban on plastics.
Mr. Murtala Muhammed highlighted the importance of supporting domestic industries in developing biodegradable packaging and reusable containers to replace single-use plastics.
He acknowledged that plastic waste management remains a major concern, especially given its role in environmental degradation and public health hazards.
Available data indicate that Ghana generates approximately 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year and approximately 9.5 percent of that is collected for recycling. A large portion of it ends up in landfills and waterways due to inadequate waste management infrastructure, highlighting the need for improved recycling and collection systems to tackle this environmental issue.
He also touched on the issue of plastic importation, emphasising that while reducing imports is crucial, the country must simultaneously enhance its local recycling capacity and waste management infrastructure.
When asked about potential timelines for a plastic ban, Mr. Murtala Muhammed refrained from making definitive commitments – arguing that a thorough socioeconomic impact assessment is necessary.
“If I am approved as minister, I think we need to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to ascertain the economic impact of a ban on plastics and evaluate the availability and affordability of alternatives,” he stated.
He also emphasised the significance of afforestation, suggesting policies such as “a tree per child” initiative to encourage environmental stewardship among young Ghanaians.
“Children love competition and if we can implement a policy whereby every child plants and nurtures a tree, it will go a long way in combatting deforestation,” he proposed.
Waste-segregation, deforestation, degradation
The vetting also delved into broader environmental concerns, including deforestation and waste-segregation, in which the minister-designate emphasised a need for waste separation at the source; a practice he believes is fundamental to effective waste management.
He acknowledged that plastic waste forms a significant portion of Ghana’s environmental burden and underscored the role of public education and policy enforcement in tackling the crisis.
Murtala Muhammed also addressed concerns about noise pollution, noting that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) laws do not currently cover it comprehensively.
He indicated that, if confirmed, he will push for amendments to include noise pollution regulations in the environmental framework.
On deforestation and environmental degradation, Mr. Murtala Muhammed pointed to illegal mining (galamsey) as a leading cause. He expressed concern that the country’s forest cover has been significantly depleted and called for a national audit to assess the extent of destruction.
Strengthening diplomatic engagements for climate funding
On commitment to climate action, the minister-designate acknowledged global challenges following the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement; however, he advocated for Ghana to continue its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) toward emissions reduction.
He suggested that the country should strengthen its diplomatic engagements to secure funding and technical support for its climate agenda, despite shifting international commitments.
Mr. Muhammed also advised advocating for increased budget allocation for the EPA, CSIR and other agencies under the environment ministry to step up efforts and, if feasible, research commercialisation.
The minister-designate highlighted three top priorities for his tenure – making agencies under the environment ministry financially independent, building their capacity and collaborating with other relevant ministries to combat galamsey and dealing with the havoc caused by it.
