Environment Minister backs styrofoam ban over plastic crisis
By Rebecca Okine
The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has endorsed the government’s plan to ban the importation, production, and use of Styrofoam takeaway containers in Ghana.
Styrofoam, commonly known as expanded polystyrene (EPS), is a lightweight, plastic-based material often used for food packaging, disposable takeaway containers, and insulation. Though convenient and inexpensive, Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle, making it a major contributor to environmental pollution.
Speaking in an interview, the Minister described plastic pollution as one of the country’s most urgent environmental issues, warning that it poses serious risks to ecosystems, marine life, and even human health.
“Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges confronting Ghana and many countries. What was once seen as modern convenience has now evolved into a global menace,” Mr. Mohammed said.
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement of the proposed ban during the official launch of the ‘One Tree Per Child’ initiative last Thursday at Kwabenya Community Senior High School.
While backing the initiative, the Minister stressed the need to strike a balance between environmental protection and economic realities.
“We are weighing between protecting the environment and not denying people the opportunity to work,” he said.
The Minister explained that the government is not planning an outright ban without alternatives. “We are also looking at alternative solutions. We have actually started something like that,” he explained.
According to the Minister, Ghana generates about 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually but collects less than 10 percent. “Where does the remaining 90 percent end up? It gets into our water bodies and our food because animals eat them,” he stated.
The Minister revealed that only 25 plastic recycling companies operate in the country, with the majority located in Accra. “That is extremely worrying,” he said.
He noted that with funding support from the World Bank, the Ministry is currently assisting plastic waste collectors in regions such as the Eastern and Northern Regions.
“The earlier we deal with this crisis, the better,” Mr. Mohammed added.
