General News of Monday, 28 December 2015

Source: tv3network.com

Gov’t to enforce plastic ban in 6 months if…

Plastics have taken over the beaches Plastics have taken over the beaches

Government has given plastic producers a six months ultimatum to help solve the country’s sanitation problem or face a blanket ban on the production of plastics.

The latest threat from government comes on the back of what some have described as the lack of commitment by the plastic producers to combat the plastic filth which has engulfed the country’s capital especially.

In mid-2015 President Mahama gave indications that government may have to go the Rwandan way of banning plastics into the country. His comments generated a huge public debate about the production and use of plastics in Ghana.

It was on the back of this that plastic producers pleaded with government to reconsider the decision by promising to make their products biodegradable.

Government suspended the ban which should have come into effect in November.

Environment Minister, Mahama Ayariga in an interview indicated that “there is an understanding that the flexy plastic manufacturers will work out a strategy with us on how to keep the environment clean from their products such as helping with sanitation management.

“They have also promised to provide litter bins and help in reducing waste especially plastic waste.”

These the minister says should be looked at immediately, or government would slap them with the ban.