Plastic manufacturers in Ghana are being urged to transition to eco-friendly alternatives as the country prepares for a phased ban on plastics.
Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Brown Klutse, says the move is necessary as plastics will soon be out of the market.
“There will be pushback from plastics-producing companies, but we will encourage them to look for alternative businesses like producing paper bags, paper cups, and paper bottles,” she stated on February 10.
The EPA is starting the ban in formal institutions, including airports, supermarkets, and universities, before extending it to the informal sector. According to Prof. Klutse, restrictions at airports could take effect within six months, given the ease of enforcement.
“Within three to six months, we should be able to do it. Let us give ourselves some time—maybe a year—to translate all these ideas into the informal sector,” she added.
Environmental activists have welcomed the call for plastic manufacturers to adapt, arguing that continued plastic pollution poses a serious threat to public health and marine life. Some have suggested that the government provides incentives to businesses investing in biodegradable packaging.
However, industry players fear the shift could lead to job losses and increased production costs.
Despite the concerns, the EPA insists that plastic producers must begin preparing for the inevitable transition, emphasizing that sustainable alternatives are the future of packaging in Ghana.
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