EPA proposes honouring late Minister Murtala Mohammed through Ghana's plastics legislation

Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has made a significant proposal to honour the memory of late Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed by naming the country's forthcoming plastics legislation after him. The move recognises the minister's dedication to combating plastic pollution before his death in a tragic helicopter crash in August 2025.

Prof Michael Ayamga-Adongo, EPA Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, has formally called on President John Mahama and Parliament to designate the law as the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana. According to Prof Ayamga-Adongo, this naming would serve as a fitting tribute to the late minister's environmental advocacy and his personal commitment to tackling plastic waste across the nation.

The plastics ban timeline

Ghana is moving forward with concrete action on plastic waste management. The EPA is finalising comprehensive legislation to support a planned ban on single-use plastics, with a specific focus on Styrofoam food containers. The ban is scheduled to take effect in January 2027, marking a significant step in Ghana's environmental protection strategy.

Prof Ayamga-Adongo emphasised that the legislative process is well underway, with the EPA developing the necessary legal framework to reinforce and enforce the single-use plastics prohibition. The timing of this initiative, coupled with the proposal to name it after Dr Mohammed, creates an opportunity to link Ghana's environmental commitments with recognition of the late minister's contributions to the cause.

Why it matters for Ghana

Plastic pollution remains a critical environmental challenge for Ghana, affecting waterways, agricultural lands and urban centres. The proposed ban on single-use plastics represents one of the government's most ambitious environmental interventions in recent years. By naming the legislation after Dr Murtala Mohammed, Ghana would send a powerful message about the importance of environmental stewardship at the highest political level.

The proposal also highlights how Ghana can honour those who have contributed to national development whilst advancing pressing policy objectives. Dr Mohammed's passion for environmental protection was recognised during his tenure, and naming legislation after him would preserve his legacy and continue to inspire future efforts in reducing plastic pollution and protecting Ghana's natural resources.

Beyond the symbolic gesture, the plastics ban itself has significant practical implications. Styrofoam and single-use plastics contribute substantially to Ghana's waste management challenges. Implementation of the ban will require coordination between businesses, consumers and enforcement agencies, making the legislative framework essential for success.

The broader context

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed was among eight people who tragically died on 6 August 2025 when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The aircraft was travelling from Accra to the launch of the government's Cooperative Mining Initiative, an anti-illegal mining programme. The crash also claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah and six others, marking one of Ghana's most significant losses of senior government officials in recent memory.

A National Interfaith Memorial Service held on 6 August 2026 brought together bereaved families, government officials and members of the public to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy and honour the victims' service and sacrifices to the nation.