The Ghanaian government has announced a significant investment of funding to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to accelerate the development of biodegradable alternatives to plastics from cassava and hemp crops, a move aimed at addressing the growing plastic waste crisis within the nation. Minister-designate, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, revealed this significant initiative during a parliamentary Appointments Committee hearing, stating that the government intends to channel funds to CSIR to explore biological alternatives, including the utilization of hemp and cassava, which could potentially replace conventional plastics. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized the potential for Ghana to generate substantial locally available materials to support this industry, highlighting the availability of a vast array of plant produce for plastic production. She explained that the project represents a crucial step in mitigating the detrimental effects of plastic waste on the environment, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives to reduce reliance on bans, restrictions, and enforcement measures currently employed to combat this issue. The government’s plan to phase out polystyrene, a widely used single-use plastic in Ghana, within the next six months, underscores this broader commitment to plastic waste management, which will be coupled with a wider ban on single-use plastics across the country, a policy designed to require a ‘all-of-government, all-of-society’ effort. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings addressed concerns regarding landfill contamination, calling for the implementation of non-permeable base materials at landfill sites to prevent leachate from seeping into groundwater and advocating for a household and school-level waste segregation program to bolster composting and recycling efforts. She stated that the project, which is part of a larger strategy to reduce plastic and waste, will involve a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders. The initiative is a direct response to the concerns raised during her vetting process regarding potential landfill contamination, and she underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy to safeguard environmental health and promote sustainable practices. The allocation of funding to CSIR is expected to be a pivotal element in this endeavor, potentially revolutionizing Ghana’s approach to plastic production and waste management.” , ,
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Source: Graphic Online
