The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced that it will soon commence the enforcement of the national ban on plastic use, as part of efforts to combat environmental pollution and promote sustainability.
According to the Acting CEO of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Klutse, the enforcement will be phased and strategic, beginning with supermarkets and airports, where plastic waste generation is significantly high. She emphasized that the initiative is crucial to reducing Ghana’s dependence on single-use plastics, which have been a major contributor to environmental degradation, clogged drains, and marine pollution.
Key Measures Under the Ban Enforcement:
Strict Monitoring at Supermarkets and Airports: Retailers and vendors will be required to phase out single-use plastics in favor of biodegradable alternatives.
Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance: Businesses that fail to adhere to the regulations will face sanctions.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Consumers will be educated on the importance of reducing plastic waste and encouraged to use eco-friendly alternatives.
Collaboration with Manufacturers and Importers: The EPA will work with industry players to promote sustainable packaging solutions and invest in recyclable materials.
Prof. Klutse highlighted that Ghana cannot afford to ignore the growing plastic waste crisis, which poses serious environmental and health risks.
“This enforcement is a necessary step to safeguard our environment and public health. We will ensure that supermarkets, airports, and eventually all businesses comply with the ban, as Ghana moves towards a greener, more sustainable future,” she stated.
The EPA’s initiative aligns with Ghana’s commitment to global environmental goals, including efforts to reduce plastic pollution and mitigate climate change.
Moving forward, the agency plans to expand the enforcement to other sectors, ensuring that Ghana transitions into a plastic-free society through strict regulations and sustainable waste management practices.
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Story by: Osei Akoto (Teacher Kojo) #ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com
