The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has stated that calls for a ban on plastic materials are not practical at this time.
According to the Minister, efforts are underway to enhance recycling initiatives aimed at addressing this issue.
He mentioned that plastic recycling equipment has already been acquired to help manage plastic waste and improve hygiene across the country.
Plastic waste poses a significant problem for Ghana, with over a million tons produced annually, while only a meager two to five percent is collected and recycled.
This alarming situation has raised concerns among many in Ghana, who fear a crisis in the near future.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Agriculture, Godfred Appiah Acheampong, told Plastic Journalist Fatawu Bayaga that, the situation is gradually escalating into a crisis in the agricultural sector and called for immediate action.
Some experts, including Abena Dufie Wiredu Bremang, the Deputy Director in charge of the Water Management Department at the Water Resources Commission, stated that while a ban may not be feasible currently, the government should consider banning single-use plastics if the problem persists.
For the Local Government Minister, since recycling plants have already been established in Ghana, the primary focus should be on promoting recycling and enhancing public education about waste segregation.
“While a ban on plastics may not be immediately feasible, our primary strategy is to promote recycling. With recycling plants already established in the country, the focus now is on public education and waste segregation,” he said during a meeting with religious leaders in Accra in April 2025.
