EPA Deputy CEO proposes naming Ghana's Plastics Law after late Minister Murtala Mohammed

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and Parliament to name Ghana's proposed plastics legislation after the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in recognition of his contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.

Prof. Ayamga-Adongo said the proposed legislation would serve as a lasting tribute to the late minister's commitment to environmental sustainability and his efforts to champion measures aimed at reducing plastic waste in the country.

Speaking to Citi News, he disclosed that the EPA is in the final stages of preparing legislation to strengthen the planned nationwide ban on single-use plastics, including Styrofoam food containers, which is expected to take effect in January 2027.

“We are announcing the ban on Styrofoam from January next year, and we are in the process of developing legislation to reinforce the ban on single-use plastics going forward,” he said.

The EPA official proposed that the legislation be named the "Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana", describing it as a fitting way to honour the late minister's dedication to protecting the environment.

“I am proposing to Members of Parliament that we name this legislation after our late colleague, Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed. If we name this legislation the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana, it will go a long way in acknowledging his efforts to end plastic pollution in Ghana. That cause was very dear to him,” Prof. Ayamga-Adongo stated.

He noted that dedicating the legislation to Dr Murtala Muhammed would preserve his legacy and inspire continued national efforts to tackle plastic pollution and promote environmental protection.

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among the eight people who died on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while en route from Accra to the launch of the government's Cooperative Mining Initiative, an anti-illegal mining programme.

Others who lost their lives in the crash were Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, former National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

A National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held on August 6, 2026, marked the first anniversary of the tragedy, bringing together bereaved families, government officials, religious leaders and members of the public to honour the lives, service and sacrifices of the eight victims.