New policy is an excellent first step in addressing the plastic pollution problem that is gripping Ghana and the globe, write Harsh Mahaseth and Sadqua Khatoon.
Ghana’s Revised National Plastics Management Policy is a comprehensive response to the country and the world’s escalating plastic pollution crisis. In 2017, 400 million metric tonnes of plastic were produced. By 2050, that could potentially triple. Only 9 per cent of the plastic ever produced has been recycled, while up to 12 million tonnes enter the ocean as litter every year.
In Ghana, over 120 companies produce around 52,000 tonnes of plastics a year, contributing to the estimated one million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually. The new policy emphasises the shifting waste stream away from organics to plastics and the widespread disposal of plastic waste that leads to pollution of surface water, marine environments, landscapes, and beaches. It aligns with national sustainable development priorities, including the government’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies, AU Agenda 2063, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The policy provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable plastics management, based on analyses of the current situation, and establishes a policy vision and objectives, while outlining specific programs and actions to address plastic waste management in Ghana.
Plastics are extraordinarily useful and cheap. They are widely used in food packaging due to their versatility, durability, and lightweight nature. They effectively protect food from spoilage and contamination, reduce transportation costs, and keep food prices affordable. Additionally, they offer hygienic packaging solutions that can be produced in sterile conditions, minimising the risk of foodborne illnesses and enhancing consumer safety.
However, the proliferation of plastics creates significant health and environment concerns. Chemical additives in plastics, notably Bisphenol A, phthalates, brominated flame retardants, and heavy metals pose risks to ecological integrity and human well-being. The migration of these additives from plastics into human systems, primarily through food contact, can lead to adverse health outcomes including decreased fertility, heightened cancer risks, cognitive impairment, and hormonal disruption. Humans at vulnerable developmental stages are particularly susceptible to the effects of such toxins. Epidemiological studies correlate exposure to plastics-associated chemicals with prevalent disease trends, such as elevated incidences of prostate cancer, breast cancer, and reproductive disorders.
The environmental impact of plastic pollution is equally severe. Marine plastic pollution entangles and is ingested by marine life, causing habitat alteration and intricate challenges to ecosystem health and human food security. Freshwater ecosystems also face significant threats from plastic waste, including entanglement, ingestion, and chemical contamination. The combustion of plastics, a common practice in Ghana, emits toxic compounds and greenhouse gases, exacerbating air pollution and contributing to climate change. Improper processing of electronic waste releases persistent organic pollutants that pose substantial health risks upon inhalation or ingestion.
Ghana’s environmental regulatory landscape is governed by a comprehensive set of laws addressing various facets of public health and environmental management. The Government of Ghana acknowledges its international obligations concerning global and regional environmental matters, adhering to the principles of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
The National Plastics Management Policy of Ghana is a significant step towards addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste while fostering sustainable development. By embracing a comprehensive framework that aligns with both national and international priorities, the policy holds promise for mitigating plastic pollution and promoting socio-economic growth. However, there is a need to address infrastructure gaps, mobilise adequate financing, and strengthen governance and enforcement mechanisms.
Overcoming these challenges will require concerted efforts from government, industry, civil society, and international partners. Nonetheless, there can be optimism about the policy’s potential to drive positive change, leading Ghana towards cleaner communities and a more sustainable future.
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