"Producers of single-use plastics should be levied" – Ga Mantse to Local Government Minister

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has called for the introduction of levies on producers and manufacturers of single-use plastics, describing the growing plastic waste crisis as a national emergency with devastating environmental and health consequences.

The Ga Mantse made this passionate appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy call by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, at the Ga Mantse Palace in Accra.

The visit formed part of the Ministry’s broader sanitation sensitization tour ahead of the national reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day.

Addressing the Minister and his delegation, the King expressed deep concern over the scale and impact of plastic pollution in the country.

“Forty companies are producing single-use plastics in Ghana, yet only 20% of what is produced is recycled. So where does the other 80% go?” the King questioned.

“Just one meal of kenkey can generate up to nine plastic bags. This culture is not sustainable.”

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II emphasized that plastic waste is choking Ghana’s land and waters, citing disturbing instances of plastic-filled seas, declining fish stock, and infertile farmlands due to non-biodegradable waste.

He also referenced a recent news report highlighting how used clothing and fashion waste—locally known as Obroniwewu—were also ending up in the oceans, compounding the ecological damage.

The King strongly advocated for policy reforms and legal enforcement.

"We must levy the producers of single-use plastics. It is coming at a very high cost to our environment, our health, and our future,” he stated.

He further condemned the current location of waste processing sites, especially Agbogbloshie, calling it “the most toxic spot on earth” due to the uncontrolled burning of electronic waste at the heart of the city.

"Why should we recycle e-waste or compost in the center of Accra? This must stop,” he declared.

The King reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Ministry’s sanitation initiatives, citing the success of last year’s Pre-Homowo Cleanup Exercise where traditional leaders led enforcement efforts on the streets.

He proposed a formal framework that would empower Asafoatsemei (local warriors and leaders) to enforce sanitation bylaws in communities.

Minister Ahmed Ibrahim welcomed the support of the Ga Mantse and assured him of the government’s determination to tackle sanitation holistically—combining policy, enforcement, and grassroots mobilization.

As Ghana gears up for the full revival of the National Sanitation Day campaign, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II’s call to hold producers accountable is expected to spark national conversation around plastic pollution, responsibility, and sustainable environmental governance.

On his part, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim announced a pivot toward outdoor initiatives — the most pressing of which is the reintroduction of National Sanitation Day, a flagship program promised by the President to commence within 120 days of taking office.

Originally scheduled for April 4th, the launch was delayed on presidential advice.

“His Excellency reminded us that sanitation is not just a manifesto promise. It’s a matter of national health, security, and survival,” Hon. Ibrahim revealed.

Referring to recent cholera outbreaks in Ada, Kasoa, and Kikus, which have affected 58 districts, the Minister described the situation as an existential threat.

“Poor sanitation is not just affecting our urban centers, it’s poisoning our waters, crippling agriculture, and killing marine life.”

“Our fishermen now catch more plastic than fish. Our farmers’ yields are dropping because non-degradable plastic in the soil blocks plant roots from penetrating. We are doing much but reaping little,” he lamented.

In response to these growing threats, the President directed the Ministry to begin a comprehensive national sensitization campaign by first seeking the support of traditional, religious, and spiritual leaders — those described by Hon. Ibrahim as “the movers and shakers of our society.”

That directive brought the Minister and his team to the Ga Mantse Palace. He emphasized that national healing and transformation must begin with respect for the land and its custodians.

"We came here because you are the pillar. You are the guardian of this land. Without your leadership, this mission cannot succeed.”

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith