The surge in global plastic production, now exceeding 430 million tons annually, has led to a corresponding rise in plastic waste, placing plastic pollution among the most urgent environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Dubbed as “The Plastic Pollution Crisis” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is threatening marine ecosystems, endangering wildlife, accelerating climate change, and will eventually jeopardise both human health and the environment. Experts warn that without decisive intervention, plastic pollution could triple in the next 30 years, with severe consequences for ecosystems and human well-being.

In response to this growing threat, the End Plastic Pollution International Collaborative (EPPIC) was launched in September 2023 as a public-private partnership aimed at addressing the global plastic pollution crisis. Led by IUCN, in partnership with The Ocean Foundation, Aspen Institute, and Searious Business, with support from the U.S. Department of State, EPPIC is focused on generating concrete actions to advance solutions worldwide.

EPPIC’s Strategic Focus

EPPIC’s mission is to drive targeted interventions across countries in Central America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Its strategy centres on raising awareness of upstream and midstream solutions that promote circular approaches to plastic management. The initiative also seeks to align policy frameworks with science-based solutions, while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in eliminating single-use plastics, while, fostering circular designs for products, materials, and business models.

In Africa, Ghana, Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa have been selected as beneficiary countries. In line with this, EPPIC collaborated with Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) to host an inception workshop in Accra. The workshop introduced stakeholders to the EPPIC package that can boost the country’s efforts in addressing plastic pollution.

Driving Collaboration and Innovation

Speaking virtually from Washington, D.C., IUCN Senior Programme Coordinator, Janaka De Silva, explained that EPPIC would adopt several strategies to achieve its goals. One key approach is establishing a collaborative platform that brings together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. This platform aims to align efforts, foster cooperation, and bridge the gap between global policy-making and local implementation for a new plastics economy.

The initiative will also support the development of public policies informed by scientific data, helping countries transition to circular economic models in the plastic management. Moreover, EPPIC will provide direct support to SMEs to promote plastic circularity through innovative business models such as reuse and refill systems. Engaging civil society and NGOs is another critical component, ensuring that vulnerable populations and gender considerations are integrated into plastic management strategies.

Ghana’s Role and Challenges in Plastic Management

In Ghana, EPPIC will work closely with government agencies, businesses, and civil society to develop action plans, foster partnerships, and provide grants to drive change. The initiative seeks to attract partners committed to ending plastic pollution and advancing innovative solutions. De Silva emphasised that participating organisations can contribute by changing business policies or practices that reduce plastic waste, sharing knowledge through national and regional dialogues, and influencing consumer behavior through communication campaigns.

MESTI’s Director in-charge of Environment, Dr. Peter Dery, welcomed EPPIC as a vital addition to national efforts in tackling plastic pollution. He noted that while some pilot initiatives have been undertaken, they have not yet achieved the transformational impact needed in the sector.

“This initiative is building on on-going activities and reminds us to stay focused on this important development, especially as we negotiate an international agreement on plastics,” Dery stated.

He stressed that plastic pollution is not just a national challenge but also a transboundary issue, requiring integrated efforts across countries. “Plastic pollution cannot be addressed in isolation. We need synergies and coordination in implementing multilateral environmental agreements,” he added.

Dery also highlighted that plastics are linked to biodiversity challenges, citing Target 7 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which recognizes plastics as a biodiversity threat.

National Policy Update and the Way Forward

Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PPMED) at MESTI, Mrs. Lydia Essuah, provided an update on Ghana’s National Plastic Management Policy. The policy’s vision is to promote sustainable plastics management through science, technology, and innovation. It aims to address environmental challenges while driving sustainable development.

The policy’s key objectives include raising awareness, building capacity for plastic management, promoting innovative technologies, identifying financing options, and enhancing institutional coordination and governance. However, Mrs. Essuah also highlighted several challenges, including the abolishment of the Plastic Waste Recycling Fund under the Environmental Tax Act of 2013 and low awareness of the economic potential of plastic recycling.

To address these challenges, Mrs. Essuah called for the development of a legal framework for plastic management, a review of the existing policy to reflect emerging trends, and increased investments in infrastructure and public education.

Situational Analysis of Plastic Pollution in Ghana

Local consultant, Ebenezer Appah-Sampong, presented a situational analysis of Ghana’s plastic pollution landscape. He noted that plastic pollution remains a significant issue, with efforts fragmented across various stages of the value chain. Challenges include inefficient waste collection systems, lack of formalised roles for informal waste collectors, and limited infrastructure and investment.

Appah-Sampong noted that NGOs and civil society organisations play a critical role in filling gaps through public education and grassroots action, particularly in coastal and urban areas. He said innovative recycling initiatives, such as Coliba Ghana and Nelplast Ghana, have emerged, though these efforts require more support to scale up.

During open discussions, participants stressed the need for an integrated approach to plastic management to avoid duplication of efforts. They also called for an immediate review of the National Plastic Management Policy, which has been in place since 1994, and called for urgent support to assist the Ministry to explore additional funding sources for strategic actions.

A Collaborative Path Forward

In her opening remarks, IUCN’s Ghana representative, Mrs. Dorcas Owusuaa Agyei, described EPPIC as a testament to the power of collaboration, bringing together government, businesses, and civil society to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. She acknowledged that, like many countries, Ghana faces significant challenges from plastics, but expressed confidence that EPPIC could help transform the situation.

“EPPIC aligns with IUCN’s vision of creating a just world that values and conserves nature. By addressing plastic pollution, the initiative will contribute to a future where both people and nature thrive,” she said.

Owusuaa Adjei further emphasised that the project would protect biodiversity and ecosystems, promote a circular economy, and support sustainable consumption patterns, ultimately reducing the impacts of climate change.

Conclusion

EPPIC’s launch marks a significant step toward combating plastic pollution through innovation, collaboration, and policy alignment. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, fostering sustainable business models, and supporting the circular economy, EPPIC aims to create lasting solutions that protect both people and the planet.

As Ghana and other beneficiary countries embrace this initiative, the hope is that collective efforts will pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

By Ama Kudom-Agyemang