Moving beyond plastics: MENR, FRESHPPACT & Partners launch policy blueprint to adopt plastics alternatives

A Strategic Shift Towards Sustainability

Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Ag. CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced a phased ban on single-use plastics.

She stated, “We can’t completely eliminate plastics, but we aim to ban single-use plastics gradually.”

The government seeks alternatives before fully implementing this ban. This policy lays the groundwork for those alternatives.

Professor Klutse emphasized the government's commitment to an eco-friendly Ghana under President John Dramani Mahama.

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The Urgent Need for Action

Dr. Ebenezer Laryea, Project Director of FRESHPPACT, highlighted the need to move away from conventional plastic products.

He said, “This report outlines how Ghana can transition from conventional plastics.”

Dr. Laryea expressed pride in witnessing the start of this journey.

He noted that Ghana’s recycling rate is very low. Without action, plastic waste could exceed 3.8 million tons by 2025.

This would lead to over $2 billion in economic costs due to pollution-related illnesses each year.

The Plastics Alternatives Policy document outlines steps for legislative reform and investment in sustainable industries.

It calls on both public and private sectors to tackle plastic waste at its source.

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A Call for Collaboration

Janet Lutterodt, General Manager of Blue Skies, stressed the importance of turning policy into action.

She stated, “This document is a roadmap for achieving Ghana’s sustainability goals.”

Lutterodt urged stronger legislation to regulate plastic use and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

Thomas Narh Korley from Zoomlion Foundation praised the focus on children’s education and youth empowerment in the policy.

He said teaching children about plastic dangers could address many current challenges.

Korley offered support for awareness campaigns in schools and encouraged youth innovation for local solutions.

The event concluded with stakeholders pledging to create a cleaner and more sustainable Ghana—one plastic alternative at a time.