The National Re-use and Recyclers Association (NARRA) has said that the ban on plastic waste is a lazy approach in addressing the problem confronting plastic waste management in the country.
The Association suggested that government in collaboration with stakeholders must establish an additional recycling plant to complement the few existing ones to serve as interventions in solving the situation.
“Plastic waste if well harnessed and managed should be seen as revenue generation and put in place mechanisms to streamline the industry instead of the ban”, the Association added.
Mr Musah Ibrahim, Director of Policy and Programmes of NARRA made these observations when he spoke at a panel discussion in Accra on the Ghana Journalists Association programme dubbed: “Budiness Advocate” on Ghana Television.
The event was supported by BUSAC Fund, DANIDA, the United States Agency for International Development and the European Union.
The topic for discussion was “Making Recycling an Important Part of Waste Management”.
Mr Ibrahim said government must demonstrate commitment by providing funds to invest in waste management, especially recycling.
He said the National Environmental Sanitation Policy 2010 document makes recycling a key principle as far as sanitation issues were concerned.
Mr Ibrahim noted that there was a huge gap between policy and the actions of duty-bearers, saying it behooved on authorities to translate those policies into concrete action for socio-economic development.
He said there was the need to strengthen institutions responsible for waste management and give appropriate incentives in terms of tax relief.
He said according to the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research, about 1.2 million Ghana Cedis was generated from recycling monthly, which was a huge potential for the country’s socio-economic development.
Mr Ibrahim said a country that failed in managing waste could not manage the affairs of the economy and called for effective enforcement approach in tackling waste management.
He said the Association believed that facilitating the growth and development of the reuse and recycling industry would help provide solutions to the current woes in waste management.
Mr John Pwamang, Deputy Executive Director of Operations at the Environmental Protection Agency, said his outfit had enjoyed good relationship with NARRA in improving plastic waste management.
He appealed to all to make conscious efforts in managing waste at various homes since about one-third of food produce often went to waste.
Mr Daniel Tornyigah, Executive Secretary of Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association, said the right policies coupled with effective implementation mechanisms would ensure proper waste management and drive the sector to achieve sustainable development.
He called for proper accounts on the management of waste funds to ensure transparency and accountability in the system.
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