“Ghana Takes Historic Step Towards Reducing Plastic Waste with National Policy Blueprint”

Story by Fada Amakye from Top Radio

Ghana has become the first country in West Africa to launch a national policy blueprint for plastic alternatives and non-plastic substitutes. The blueprint, which was launched earlier this year, sets out a roadmap for establishing a thriving industry that can create over 300,000 jobs in Ghana over the next two decades.

Dr. Ebenezer Laryea, Reader (Professor) at Aston University and Project Director for FRESHPPACT, expressed his excitement about the implementation of the policy blueprint, which is being supported by the UK Government and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

The implementation of the policy blueprint is a collaborative effort between the government, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector. Dr. Laryea emphasized the importance of strong stakeholder networks in ensuring the success of the project. The policy blueprint has a strong focus on stakeholder engagement, including with SMEs, big businesses, consumers, and research institutions.

The implementation of the policy blueprint is expected to have numerous economic and environmental benefits, including:

-Creating over 300,000 jobs in Ghana over the next two decades
-Harnessing the benefits of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the ECOWAS sub-region
-Reducing plastic waste and promoting a cleaner environment
-Increasing trade opportunities for Ghana

The government has expressed its commitment to the project, with Professor Nana Amoah, Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), demonstrating a deep understanding of the process. Dr. Laryea praised the government for its support and cooperation, citing President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for job creation and environmental protection.

Dr. Laryea called on all Ghanaians to support the implementation of the policy blueprint, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in the way we think about plastic use and waste management. He urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by the transition to plastic alternatives and non-plastic substitutes.