Moving Ghana Beyond Plastics: A Policy Blueprint for a Thriving Plastic Substitutes and Alternatives Industry

Ebenezer Laryea; Amin Hosseinian Far; Oluwaseyi Omoloso; Chijioke Uba; Dilshad  Sarwar; Evelyn  Ameyaw

Moving Ghana Beyond Plastics: A Policy Blueprint for a Thriving Plastic Substitutes and Alternatives Industry

Ebenezer Laryea^*
, Amin Hosseinian Far
, Oluwaseyi Omoloso
, Chijioke Uba
, Dilshad Sarwar
, Evelyn Ameyaw

^*Corresponding author for this work

University of Hertfordshire
University of Northampton

Research output: Book/Report › Other report

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Abstract

This report presents a comprehensive, co-created roadmap for transitioning Ghana’s economy and environment away from conventional single-use plastics. Grounded in an inclusive stakeholder workshop held in Accra in October 2024, the report assesses current waste-management challenges—highlighting limited recycling infrastructure, growing urban pollution, and health risks from microplastics—and showcases innovation through case studies such as Coco360’s coconut-coir mulch production. Building on this foundation, it proposes a six-pillar policy framework covering stakeholder networks, economic incentives, regulatory standards and phased bans, public awareness, research and development, and compliance mechanisms. Each pillar articulates clear goals and actionable strategies—ranging from tariff reforms and educational campaigns to R&D funding and enforcement bodies—to establish Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable plastic alternatives and drive long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Original language	English
Commissioning body	UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (UKFCDO)
Number of pages	30
Publication status	Published - 16 Apr 2025

Bibliographical note

This report is made available as an open-access publication under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits unrestricted use, sharing, adaptation,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. It can be accessed on the FRESHPPACT website and through the research
repositories of Aston University, the University of Northampton, and the University of Hertfordshire, as well as other relevant academic and policy platforms.

Funding

This report is funded by the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme (SMEP). The SMEP Programme is funded by UK International Development and implemented in partnership with UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Keywords

sustainability
plastics pollution
plastics policy
Ghana
Global South
sustainable development law

Access to Document

FRESHPPACT-Policy-Blueprint_Plastic-Substitutes-and-Alternatives-in-Ghana_-Report-Final (1)
This report is made available as an open-access publication under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits unrestricted use, sharing, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. It can be accessed on the FRESHPPACT website and through the research repositories of Aston University, the University of Northampton, and the University of Hertfordshire, as well as other relevant academic and policy platforms.
Final published version, 6.32 MBLicence: CC BY 4.0

Cite this

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AU - Sarwar, Dilshad

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AB - This report presents a comprehensive, co-created roadmap for transitioning Ghana’s economy and environment away from conventional single-use plastics. Grounded in an inclusive stakeholder workshop held in Accra in October 2024, the report assesses current waste-management challenges—highlighting limited recycling infrastructure, growing urban pollution, and health risks from microplastics—and showcases innovation through case studies such as Coco360’s coconut-coir mulch production. Building on this foundation, it proposes a six-pillar policy framework covering stakeholder networks, economic incentives, regulatory standards and phased bans, public awareness, research and development, and compliance mechanisms. Each pillar articulates clear goals and actionable strategies—ranging from tariff reforms and educational campaigns to R&D funding and enforcement bodies—to establish Ghana as a regional leader in sustainable plastic alternatives and drive long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.

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ER -

Moving Ghana Beyond Plastics: A Policy Blueprint for a Thriving Plastic Substitutes and Alternatives Industry

Abstract

Bibliographical note

Funding

UN SDGs

Keywords

Access to Document

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Cite this