EPA appeals to gov't to name Ghana's plastics law after Murtala Mohammed

Prof. Michael Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), 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. Speaking to Accra-based Citi News, Prof. Ayamga-Adongo disclosed that the EPA is finalising legislation to strengthen the planned ban on single-use plastics, including Styrofoam food containers, which is expected to take effect in January 2027. He stated, "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."

Prof. Ayamga-Adongo proposed the legislation be named the 'Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana', arguing it would immortalise the late minister's contribution to the country's fight against plastic waste. He explained, "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." He added that dedicating the law to Dr Murtala Muhammed would ensure his passion for environmental sustainability continues to inspire future efforts. Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among the eight people who died in th...