Plastic ban needs careful planning, not deadlines- EPA

The Deputy Acting Chief Executive Officer of Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has urged the government to adopt a more measured and strategic approach to President John Dramani Mahama’s proposed ban on the production and use of styrofoam in Ghana.

His remarks follow the president’s recent announcement to ban the production and use of styrofoam in an effort to combat pollution caused by non-biodegradable plastics.

While Professor Ayamga-Adongo acknowledged the urgency of tackling plastic waste, he cautioned that rushing into a ban could have unintended consequences on livelihoods and sectors that rely heavily on plastic products.

Speaking on Citi FM on Monday, June 9, he said,“I have heard some people say that within two or three years, we should do away with plastics. I am not too keen on giving dates because when you are talking about these things, you are talking about livelihoods and economic systems dependent on this.”

“You need to look at the alternatives that are available. How quickly can they be rolled out? How can we ensure that taking away this does not endanger people?”

He warned that without viable substitutes, a sudden phase-out could create economic hardship and public health challenges.

Professor Ayamga-Adongo pointed to sachet water as a specific example, noting that the plastic packaging provides essential access to clean drinking water in rural communities.

“Take sachet water for example, if you take them away, you are going to expose some rural areas to unhygienic water because it is a solution somewhere, so when we are withdrawing something, we need to think of what alternatives exist,” he said.

Despite his reservations about rapid implementation, he described the president’s proposal as a timely opportunity to spark innovation in the area of sustainable packaging.

He expressed optimism that, with proper planning and support, the policy could lead to long-term environmental benefits and stimulate new industries aligned with Ghana’s development and climate goals.