The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has announced the government's intention to restrict the importation of products such as plastic straws as part of efforts to transition toward a circular economy.

He noted that the government will promote more sustainable alternatives, including the production of bamboo straws, cassava-based packaging, and refillable containers, to help protect the environment.

Speaking at the Environmental Sustainability Summit held in Accra on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Dr Muhammed said all these measures are aimed at encouraging the use of local, eco-friendly alternatives.

“We aim to restrict products such as plastic straws while promoting local alternatives. These are some of the measures we are considering,” he said.

He added that, “Entrepreneurs are already producing sustainable alternatives like bamboo straws, cassava-based packaging, and refillable containers.”

Ghana's plastic waste production has increased dramatically from 40,000 tonnes annually to over 1.1 million tonnes.

Of this, only 9% is recycled, while approximately 50% remains uncollected.

This has led to frequent blockages of drains and gutters, with large amounts of plastic waste ending up in rivers and other water bodies, contributing to both environmental and public health concerns.



SA/MA

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