Gov’t must fund CSIR to develop biological plastic alternatives – Zanetor
Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called on the government to channel funding to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to develop locally produced alternatives to plastic.
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, has urged the government to provide funding for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to develop locally produced alternatives to plastic. During her appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on August 27, she emphasized that Ghana's efforts to combat the plastic waste crisis should extend beyond bans and restrictions to include investment in research for environmentally friendly substitutes.
The CSIR, she noted, is well-positioned to conduct research and develop biological alternatives using locally available agricultural products like cassava and hemp. "What I believe can be done in addition to this is to channel some funding towards the CSIR," she said, proposing cassava and hemp as potential plant-based materials for producing such alternatives.
This proposal is part of a broader call for Ghana to integrate policy interventions, research, and innovation in tackling the country's persistent plastic waste issue. With the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) set to ban the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products from January 1, 2027, the government is set to implement a comprehensive national strategy to address plastic pollution, enhance environmental sanitation, and encourage sustainable consumption practices nationwide.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
