The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has proposed naming Ghana’s upcoming plastics legislation the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in honour of the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The EPA said the proposed law would recognise the late minister’s commitment to tackling plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability in Ghana.
Prof Michael Ayamga-Adongo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the EPA in charge of Operations, said the legislation would serve as a lasting tribute to Dr Murtala Mohammed’s environmental advocacy and efforts to address the growing challenge of plastic waste.
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Prof Ayamga-Adongo revealed that the EPA is finalising legislation to support Ghana’s planned ban on single-use plastics, including Styrofoam food containers, expected to take effect in January 2027.
He explained that the proposed law would provide the legal framework needed to enforce measures aimed at reducing plastic pollution across the country.
“We are announcing the ban on Styrofoam from January next year, and we are in the process of developing legislation to reinforce the ban on single-use plastics going forward,” he said.
The EPA official said he had proposed to Parliament that the legislation be named the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana as a way of preserving the late minister’s contribution to environmental protection.
According to Prof Ayamga-Adongo, dedicating the plastics legislation to Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed would acknowledge his passion for ending plastic pollution and inspire future generations to continue the environmental campaign.
“I am proposing to Members of Parliament that we name this legislation after our late colleague, Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed. If we name this legislation the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana, it will go a long way in acknowledging his efforts to end plastic pollution in Ghana,” he said.
He added that the cause was deeply important to the late minister during his tenure.
The proposed Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics is expected to strengthen government efforts to regulate plastic usage, particularly single-use plastics that contribute significantly to environmental pollution.
The EPA’s planned ban on Styrofoam containers forms part of broader measures aimed at reducing plastic waste, improving sanitation and protecting Ghana’s natural environment.
The legislation is expected to provide clearer guidelines for plastic production, usage, disposal and enforcement mechanisms.
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed was among eight people who died in the August 6, 2025 Ghana Armed Forces helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
The victims were travelling from Accra to the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative, an intervention aimed at addressing illegal mining activities.