Mixed reaction to threat to ban plastics

The Chief Programme Officer of the EPA, Godson Cudjoe Voado says a ban on plastics is the way to go to rid the country of waste. 

He said this should be done gradually. 

Speaking to Radio Ghana, Mr Voado said the use of paper bags is the best alternative. 

He said Ghana is not able to manage plastics because the country does not have the equipment to recycle the material. 

He said the way plastic materials are produced, used and disposed of all contribute to the waste menace.

Meanwhile, the Communication Officer of Zoomlion, Robert Coleman said the effect of plastic waste is becoming worrisome. 

He said the President's call is as a result of the magnitude of the problem. 

Mr Coleman however said the ban is not the way to go. 

He said if plastic is banned millions of people are going to lose their jobs adding that the best way to go is proper management and disposal of the plastics. 

Mr Coleman further said if government goes ahead to ban plastics, the country is going to lose huge revenue needed for development. 

In a related development, the Director of the Water Research Institute of CSIR, Dr Joseph Addo Ampofo said plastic waste has polluted water bodies. 

He said serious system failure is the major cause of the indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste. 

He said if those in charge of sanitation are able to find more innovative ways of disposing of waste the problem will be avoided.

GBC