I am profoundly thankful for the trust placed in me as the President of Ghana Plastic Manufacturers’ Association and I do extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the members for granting me the privilege to lead this esteemed association.

The media continue to bombard us with images and stories about the problems caused by plastic waste, and in some instances a call for ban, ignoring the huge social and economic benefits we get from its production and usage, though we hear very little about solutions, the plastic industry in Ghana have made in the cause of time. Our numerous social, economic and technological interventions are there for all to verify.

In spite of all the enormous contribution to the national economy by the Plastic Industry, Government from time to time talks about banning plastic production and use. This has also led to the formation of several advocacy groups who have little or no technical or economic knowledge about plastics. Unfortunately, these groups continue to make dangerous statements and comments to the detriment of the plastic industry.

We are aware of the many interventions that have been discussed over the years and calls for Government to emulate interventions from different parts of the world often, without due regard for the substantial differences in circumstances and conditions in those countries. What we need is what will work best for Ghana, with regards to our economic, social, cultural and attitudinal peculiarities.

We want Government to avoid the tendency to take decisions or policies on plastics without thorough scientific and economic analysis of facts and figures on the plastic industry in Ghana without consultation with GPMA and its partners. GPMA remains the only viable organization in the country to give credible information on the Plastic Industry and also to assist various institutions and agencies on matters relating to plastic production and plastic waste.

GPMA played a proactive role in the formulation of ACT 512 of 2013 and the amended ACT 863 (10% Environmental Excise Tax on Plastic Raw Materials). This Tax which has accrued over a billion Ghana Cedis since its inception was designed to promote and support plastic waste recycling and plastic waste management programs. We sincerely believe that, when the funds are disbursed, it will enhance plastic waste recycling and its management. However, it seems there exists some gaps that are delaying the process of disbursement. Without doubt, we have been proactive on the issues of plastic waste pollution in the country.

Plastic products are of great utility in the hands of consumers while in use but the concern has always been after serving its purpose. Generally, waste when littered irresponsibly, pollutes the environment and littering in our society is a big challenge which has to be tackled holistically. Let us stop the baseless unscientific propaganda to tarnish the image of plastics and the plastic industry. Thank you.

Ebbo Botwe (JP)