Many believe that one of the best solutions to combat plastic waste pollution in Ghana is to implement a ban on the importation of plastic products.
By banning these products, the volume of materials entering the country would automatically be reduced.
Villages and major cities are facing severe consequences due to plastic waste pollution, yet there is no meaningful strategy in place to address this growing issue.
According to data from the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, Ghana imports approximately 2.58 million metric tonnes of raw plastic materials annually, as well as about 100,000 metric tonnes of finished plastic goods.
Alarmingly, around 73% of these imported plastics ultimately end up as waste.
Some individuals have proposed a possible ban or restriction on plastic products to help mitigate the situation.
However, experts responding to a documentary produced by Orange News’ Fatawu Bayaga, dubbed “Plastic Shadows”, warn that such a ban could have severe economic ramifications for the country.
Prof. Kyereh Boateng, an environmental expert and lecturer at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, cautioned that an immediate ban on plastic materials could negatively impact the economy.
He stated, “I think one practical way is to make it expensive to use plastics. Of course, other options can be considered, but a total ban, I’m afraid, is not likely to happen because of the economic implications.”
Eugene Amo-Asamoah, the Business Development and Communications Manager of the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant (the largest in Africa), pointed out that other countries have successfully banned the importation of plastics and are reaping the benefits.
He noted that while implementing a ban may seem like a straightforward solution to the plastic waste problem, it is essential to consider potential consequences for employment and livelihoods.
He suggested that a ban or restriction on single-use plastics would be a more reasonable approach than an outright ban on all plastic products.
Abena Dufie Wiredu Bremang, the Deputy Director of the Water Management Department at the Water Resources Commission, stated the need to minimise plastic usage.
She noted, “When you buy food from roadside vendors, you often find a lot of plastic used to cover these items. If we can reduce this, it will significantly decrease the plastic waste we see around. Therefore, let’s start by cutting down on usage and promoting recycling. If we still find ourselves overwhelmed by plastic waste, then we can consider banning the importation of plastics.”
