The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and Parliament to name Ghana’s proposed plastics legislation after the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
He said the move would serve as a fitting tribute to the late minister’s commitment to environmental protection and his efforts to address plastic pollution in Ghana.
Speaking to Accra-based Citi News, Prof. Ayamga-Adongo disclosed that the EPA is finalising legislation to strengthen the planned ban on single-use plastics, including Styrofoam food containers, which is expected to take effect in January 2027.
“We are announcing the ban on Styrofoam from January next year, and we are in the process of developing legislation to reinforce the ban on single-use plastics going forward.”
He proposed that the legislation be named the ‘Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana’, arguing that it would immortalise the late minister’s contribution to the country’s fight against plastic waste.
“I am proposing to Members of Parliament that we name this legislation after our late colleague, Hon. Dr Murtala Mohammed. If we name this legislation the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana, it will go a long way in acknowledging his efforts to end plastic pollution in Ghana. That cause was very dear to him,” he explained.
Prof. Ayamga-Adongo said dedicating the law to Dr Murtala Muhammed would ensure that his passion for environmental sustainability continues to inspire future efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect Ghana’s natural environment.
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among the eight people who died in the August 6, 2025 Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while travelling from Accra to the launch of the government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative, an anti-galamsey programme.
The crash also claimed the lives of Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong; Deputy NADMO Director Samuel Aboagye; and the helicopter’s three-member crew — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
A National Interfaith Memorial Service held on August 6, 2026, brought together bereaved families, government officials, members of the Ghana Armed Forces and the public to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy and honour the lives and sacrifices of the eight victims.
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