Minister-designate for Environment, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has proposed increased government funding for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to develop biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics using locally available crops such as cassava and hemp.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said Ghana could develop a sustainable plastic alternatives industry by using plant-based raw materials rather than depending solely on bans, restrictions and enforcement to address the country’s growing plastic waste problem.
Ghana Could Produce Biodegradable Plastics From Cassava and Hemp
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings said funding should be directed to CSIR researchers to identify and develop biological materials that can be used to manufacture environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional plastics.
She explained that Ghana has abundant agricultural resources that could serve as raw materials for producing biodegradable packaging and other plastic substitutes.
According to the minister-designate, materials derived from crops such as cassava and hemp could produce alternatives that break down naturally and do not remain in the environment for long periods.
Her proposal is aimed at supporting plastic waste management in Ghana, while also creating opportunities for local research, manufacturing and agricultural value addition.
Government Plans Ban on Polystyrene and Single-Use Plastics
The proposed research comes as the government prepares to introduce measures to reduce the use of polystyrene and other single-use plastics in Ghana.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings told the Appointments Committee that a ban on polystyrene, which is commonly used for food packaging, could be introduced within the next six months.
She said officials in the environmental sector had already briefed her on the country’s plastic waste policy and indicated that a broader restriction on single-use plastics was also being considered.
The minister-designate stressed that banning plastic products alone would not solve Ghana’s waste management challenges.
She said addressing plastic pollution would require an “all-of-government, all-of-society” approach, involving government agencies, businesses, households, schools and communities.
Zanetor Calls for Better Waste Management
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also addressed concerns about landfill pollution and groundwater contamination during her parliamentary vetting.
She called for landfill facilities to be constructed with non-permeable foundations to prevent toxic leachate from penetrating the soil and contaminating underground water sources.
She further advocated for waste segregation at source, particularly in households and schools.
According to her, separating waste before disposal would make it easier to expand recycling and composting in Ghana, reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and improve overall environmental sanitation.
Focus on Sustainable Environmental Solutions
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings said Ghana must combine effective environmental regulations with investment in scientific research and locally produced solutions.
Developing biodegradable materials from agricultural products such as cassava and hemp could help reduce dependence on conventional plastics while supporting Ghana’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Her proposed approach forms part of a broader effort to tackle plastic pollution, improve waste management, promote recycling and protect Ghana’s environment.
Source: newsthemegh.com