Ghana must move from plastic policies to implementation – EPA CEO

The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has said Ghana must move beyond developing policies and begin implementing practical measures to tackle plastic pollution.

She said although the country had made progress through the development of a National Plastics Management Policy, a Circular Economy Framework and other regulatory measures, the major challenge is ensuring that these policies translated into measurable results.

Prof. Browne Klutse made the call at a policy dialogue on plastic pollution organised by the EPA in partnership with the German Embassy under its Environmental Diplomacy Project

“We know the issue before us goes beyond having the policy. We are now at the implementation stage,” she said.

She said plastic pollution had become a major environmental and developmental concern, with its effects visible in drainage systems, waterways, beaches and coastal areas, as well as its implications for flooding, biodiversity, livelihoods and public health.

According to her, addressing the problem requires a coordinated national effort involving government institutions, local and traditional authorities, civil society, academia, the private sector, communities and individual citizens.

She also called for greater responsibility from producers, particularly through sustainable production, recycling and circular economy solutions.

Prof. Browne Klutse said the EPA's proposed measures, including the management of single-use plastics and PETs and the ban on styrofoam, would require sustained public education and stakeholder support.

“The challenge before us is significant, but it's not insurmountable. With political commitment, effective policies, responsible production and consumption, innovation, public awareness, and strong partnership, we can make meaningful progress towards cleaner communities, healthier waterways, and cleaner oceans,” she said.

She further advocated a circular economy approach that would reduce unnecessary plastic use while promoting reuse, recycling and recovery of value from waste.

The EPA CEO said Ghana could turn plastic waste into an economic opportunity through investment in recycling enterprises, innovation and green jobs, particularly for young people.

The dialogue brought together government institutions, private sector players, civil society organisations, academia and development partners to discuss policy coherence, implementation challenges, sustainable alternatives, financing and public awareness.