In a bid to tackle Ghana’s growing plastic waste crisis, the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) organized an X Space discussion titled “Tackling Single-Use Plastics Menace: Lessons from the Rwandan Model” on Monday, March 3, 2025.
The online session featured seasoned Ghanaian communications specialist Peter Martey Agbeko as the keynote speaker, alongside hosts Musah Barry and Amanda Amamu, both Level 400 students at UniMAC. The discussion highlighted the urgency of eliminating single-use plastics in Ghana by learning from Rwanda’s successful ban and sustainable waste management policies.
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
Peter Martey Agbeko outlined four critical requirements for Ghana to combat plastic pollution effectively:
1. Political Will – Strong government policies and enforcement are essential in restricting the production and use of single-use plastics.
2. Community Empowerment and Awareness – Public education and grassroots involvement are necessary to drive behavioral change.
3. Innovation in Sustainable Alternatives– Encouraging research and investment in eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable materials is vital.
4. Regional and Global Collaboration – Partnering with international organizations and neighboring countries can accelerate progress toward a plastic-free future.
The X Space session, hosted on @UnimacPlasticP urged stakeholders, government bodies, businesses, and individuals to support the movement by promoting reusable alternatives and advocating for a national ban on single-use plastics.
Using the hashtag #BanSingleUsePlasticsGH, participants engaged in discussions on how Ghana can implement Rwanda’s model while considering local socio-economic factors.
As plastic waste continues to choke Ghana’s waterways and environment, conversations like this X Space session mark a step toward policy change and a cleaner, sustainable future.