The growing global awareness of the urgent need to address plastic pollution has driven countries across the world to reassess their reliance on single-use plastic products and seek sustainable alternatives. As a rapidly developing nation with ambitions to strengthen its economy while preserving its environment, Ghana is well-positioned to play a leading role in the transition towards plastic alternatives within the West African region.

Following a roundtable event in October 2024, this report was launched as a policy blueprint to move Ghana towards a prosperous Plastic Substitutes and Alternatives Industry. The blueprint is based on six policy pillars:

1. Strengthening Stakeholder Networks
2. Create Economic Incentive for Effective Plastic Waste Management and Local Production of Plastic Alternative Products
3. Set Regulatory Standards and Guidelines to implement Phased Bans and Restrictions on Single-Use Plastics
4. Boosting Public Awareness to Advance Local Adoption of Plastic Alternative Products
5. Research and Development
6. Establish a Regulatory Framework for Monitoring and compliance 

This report has been authored by the SMEP-funded Fresh Produce Impact Hub (FRESHPPACT) project, and is the result of the collaborative efforts of researchers and policymakers dedicated to advancing Ghana’s transition towards sustainable plastic alternatives.