The government of Ghana has banned the use of polythene products below 20 microns. The directive is part of measures to deal with hazards associated with these products and their attendant effect on the eco system.
The Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Mahama Ayariga who announced the ban said, “We have placed a ban on up to 20 microns, nobody can manufacture plastic products below 20 microns. The microns are the test of the thickness of plastics.”
He added: “You see the ones that they put Gari (kulikuli), those products – the plain, transparent ones – you see that they are so light and when the wind blows they float, it’s because they have very low microns and they are so light so managing it is so difficult so we need to increase the micron level.”
According to him, the ministry has engaged the services of 2,000 enforcement officers across the country to ensure the directive is strictly complied with.
Environmentalists have been debating the effect of plastic products in Ghana, especially in choked gutters. They believe it was one of the major causes of the recent flood in the country which led to the death of over 150 people.
The Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur last month pushed for a national debate on the usage of plastic bags in Ghana. According to him, a national consensus on the use of the polythene product has become imperative following the recent flood and fire disaster in Accra.
Source: Starrfmonline
