Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for increased funding for scientific research into plant-based alternatives to conventional plastics as Ghana intensifies efforts to address its growing plastic waste challenge.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings made the proposal when she appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for her vetting on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
She said the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) could receive additional funding to research and develop biodegradable materials from locally available crops such as cassava and hemp.
“What I believe can be done in addition to this is to channel some funding towards the CSIR, so that they can actually look into biological alternatives, for example hemp, for example cassava,” she said.
According to the minister-designate, Ghana has abundant plant resources that could be processed into environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics.
She explained that such materials could help reduce the country’s plastic waste burden because they are capable of breaking down naturally rather than remaining in the environment for extended periods.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also highlighted the need to improve landfill management as part of efforts to protect the environment from hazardous waste.
She said landfills should be constructed with non-permeable bases to prevent harmful substances from leaching into the soil and groundwater, describing the measure as an “absolute necessity.”
Her proposal comes amid growing concerns over plastic pollution and the environmental challenges associated with the disposal of conventional plastics.
Investing in research into locally sourced biodegradable materials, she suggested, could provide Ghana with more sustainable alternatives while creating opportunities for innovation and the development of local industries around plant-based materials.
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