The Fresh Produce Impact Hub (FRESHPPACT) project team recently organised a workshop to discuss policy development for plastic alternatives and waste management.
This was in collaboration with Blue Skies, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), and other key stakeholders in Ghana’s plastic production and waste management sectors.

Held on October 24, 2024, at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Accra, the workshop aimed to refine and enhance Ghana’s existing plastic waste management policies.
Building on previous initiatives, the gathering focused on identifying concrete, actionable recommendations to improve policy effectiveness, particularly around plastic alternative products.

The Global Call for Sustainability
Dr Ebenezer Laryea, Director of FRESHPPACT and Associate Professor for Sustainable Development at the University of Northampton emphasised the global shift toward a green economy, stressing the need to reduce plastic use for environmental sustainability.

Dr Laryea highlighted the significant impact of plastics on agriculture and the environment in Ghana, explaining how plastic mulch intended to retain moisture can ultimately damage farmland and ecosystems.
He cited that while 840,000 tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually in Ghana, only 9.5% is recycled, underscoring the need for more robust solutions.
Interactive Breakout Sessions
Participants from government, industry, academia, civil society, and the private sector took part in breakout sessions to focus on specific areas of plastic waste management policy.

These groups discussed economic mechanisms, regulatory areas, international standards, education, capacity building, and effective monitoring and evaluation to create a comprehensive policy framework for plastic alternatives.
Stakeholder Insights and Initiatives
Mary Aka, Head of Internal Audit on Environment, Health, and Safety at Blue Skies, shared that the company encourages customers to return used fruit juice bottles, which are then sent to a recycling facility.

Thomas Narh Korley, Coordinator for the Zoomlion Foundation, added that educating schoolchildren on the impact of plastic waste is essential for instilling sustainable practices.
He advocated for more workshops and seminars targeted at youth to promote environmental responsibility.
The workshop represents a significant step forward in Ghana’s commitment to sustainable waste management, uniting diverse stakeholders in the pursuit of effective and practical solutions.
Latest Stories
-
Brothers, is your libido worth your life? Let’s talk Blood Pressure, Herbal Mixtures, and Silent Deaths
28 minutes -
Over 5,000 delegates expected at NPP National Conference
3 hours -
NDPC Chairman calls for local economic development at UN HLPF
3 hours -
US tech CEO suspended after Coldplay concert embrace goes viral
5 hours -
Self-acclaimed Ashanti Regional Chairman of Delta Force arrested
5 hours -
Police nab three in Ashanti region for distributing fake insecticides from Nigeria
6 hours -
Detailed constitutional proposals for NPP Delegates Conference today
6 hours -
NPP holds National Delegates Conference Today
6 hours -
Asantehene calls for ‘Ghanaians first’ in mining concessions
10 hours -
See the 14 crucial NPP reforms proposed by the Council of Elders
10 hours -
59 proposals: Why the NPP is overhauling its constitution
10 hours -
Scrap ‘elitist’ Special Electoral College – Sir Obama tells NPP
10 hours -
Gov’t ramps up election security ahead of Akwatia by-election
11 hours -
Erpreben Travel & Tour donates air conditioners to Osu District Police Command
12 hours -
Amewuga campaign fights human trafficking, child marriage, others at Aflao border
12 hours