Ghana to ban single-use plastics in drive for sustainable alternatives

Ghana is set to introduce restrictions on the importation of single-use plastic items, including plastic straws, as part of measures aimed at transitioning the country toward a circular, environmentally sustainable economy.

The announcement was made by Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed the minister of environment, science, technology and innovation, during the Environmental Sustainability Summit held in Accra on Tuesday, June 24 2025.

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Muhammed described the move as a necessary step to curb the country’s mounting plastic pollution crisis and accelerate the shift toward locally sourced, biodegradable alternatives.

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

He pointed to the ingenuity of Ghanaian entrepreneurs already producing eco-friendly substitutes, including bamboo straws, cassava-based packaging, and refillable containers.

“Entrepreneurs are already producing sustainable alternatives,” he noted, adding that government backing for such ventures would be vital in reducing environmental degradation.

Tackling a growing crisis

Ghana’s plastic waste problem has escalated dramatically in recent years. Official figures from the ministry indicate that the country now produces over 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually—a stark increase from just 40,000 tonnes some decades ago.

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Yet despite this surge, only 9 percent of plastic waste is recycled. Nearly half remains uncollected, while the remainder frequently clogs drains or contaminates rivers and coastal waters. This unchecked pollution not only poses serious ecological harm but also threatens public health and the livelihoods of communities dependent on clean water sources.

Environmental campaigners have long criticised the unchecked spread of plastic waste, calling for tighter regulation, public education, and greater investment in sustainable alternatives. Muhammed’s announcement signals a shift in government policy that aligns Ghana with global efforts to reduce plastic dependency.

Aligning with global goals

The planned restrictions reflect a broader global trend, as countries around the world phase out single-use plastics in favour of greener, more durable alternatives. From the European Union to parts of Africa and Asia, policymakers are increasingly recognising the environmental and economic costs of plastic waste.

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Ghana’s new policy direction also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on responsible consumption and production, climate action, and life below water.

Empowering local innovation

Central to the government’s approach is the empowerment of local innovators and businesses. Muhammed underscored the role of homegrown enterprises in driving the shift away from plastic and building a green economy rooted in Ghanaian ingenuity.

“We’re seeing exciting innovations—bamboo straws, cassava packaging—that show we can reduce plastic waste without sacrificing utility or convenience,” he said.

The ministry plans to scale up support for these initiatives, through incentives, technical assistance, and public-private partnerships aimed at bolstering sustainable industries.

As the country prepares to implement restrictions, the focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition—one that balances environmental priorities with economic development.