Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings proposes CSIR funding for plant-based alternatives to plastics
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, has called for increased investment in scientific research to develop plant-based alternatives to conventional plastics as part of efforts to tackle Ghana’s growing plastic waste challenge.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, she proposed providing additional funding to the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to explore biodegradable plastic alternatives made from locally available crops such as hemp and cassava.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said Ghana had abundant plant resources that could be harnessed to produce environmentally friendly materials capable of breaking down naturally without leaving persistent waste in the environment.
She stressed that addressing plastic pollution would require a coordinated effort involving government institutions, communities, businesses and the wider public.
The Minister-designate also highlighted the need for stronger measures to prevent hazardous waste and toxic chemicals from contaminating water sources, particularly groundwater. She called for improved standards for landfill construction, including the use of impermeable bases to prevent harmful substances from leaching into the soil and underground water.
Describing the measure as essential, she suggested that practices used at some electronic waste collection centres could be adopted more broadly across other waste management facilities.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings further advocated for stronger waste segregation practices at the household, school and community levels, particularly to support composting and recycling initiatives.
She also encouraged the adoption of technologies capable of converting waste into energy and other useful products. These could include using solid waste for thermal power generation, converting plastics through pyrolysis into fuel and cooking gas, and recycling suitable plastics into reusable materials.
She said Ghana’s response to plastic waste should combine public education, stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, improved waste management practices and innovative technologies.