Ghana Targets Plastic Pollution with Producer-Funded Waste Collection Law
The government of Ghana is advancing a significant environmental policy shift designed to hold plastic producers financially accountable for the waste their products generate. Dr. Murtala Muhammed, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, confirmed that new legislation is under development to establish a mandatory framework for managing plastic pollution, fundamentally altering the economics of waste collection and recycling across the country.
This new initiative will introduce a formal Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. The core objective of this policy is to transfer a significant portion of the financial burden for post-consumer waste management from municipalities and taxpayers directly to the companies that manufacture and import plastic goods. By making producers pay for the collection and processing of their packaging, the government aims to create a sustainable funding stream for Ghana’s struggling recycling infrastructure and incentivise the use of more eco-friendly materials.
Implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework
The proposed EPR law is not being developed in a vacuum. Officials have indicated that the legislative framework will draw inspiration from successful EPR models implemented internationally. Key case studies include the progressive policies in Kenya, which have aggressively tackled single-use plastics, as well as established systems in South Korea and the European Union. Adopting these proven strategies will help Ghana create a robust system that compels manufacturers to engage in the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal. This approach is central to fostering a circular economy where waste is minimized and resources are reused.
A Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Plastic Waste
This move toward producer responsibility is a cornerstone of a broader, multi-faceted government campaign to address Ghana’s escalating environmental challenges. The EPR policy complements President John Dramani Mahama’s recently announced plan to phase out Styrofoam food containers and packaging. The president identified Styrofoam as a primary contributor to pollution, clogging drains and harming ecosystems. By simultaneously banning the most problematic plastics and creating a funding mechanism to manage the rest, the administration is building a comprehensive strategy to secure a cleaner environment for future generations.
The introduction of an EPR framework is expected to catalyze innovation within Ghana’s private sector. As companies face new levies tied to their plastic footprint, there will be a strong economic driver to invest in sustainable packaging design, bioplastics, and other green technologies. This policy could also spur growth in the local waste management and recycling industry, creating green jobs and positioning Ghana as a West African leader in sustainable environmental governance.
Keywords
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