The Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and Parliament to name Ghana’s forthcoming plastics legislation after the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, in recognition of his efforts to combat plastic pollution.

According to Prof. Ayamga-Adongo, the proposed law would serve as a lasting tribute to the late minister’s commitment to environmental sustainability and his advocacy for measures to tackle plastic waste.

Speaking to Citi  News, he disclosed that the EPA is finalising legislation to reinforce the planned ban on single-use plastics, including Styrofoam food containers, which is expected to take effect in January 2027.

“We are announcing the ban on Styrofoam from January next year, and we are in the process of developing legislation to reinforce the ban on single-use plastics going forward.”

He proposed that the legislation be named the ‘Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana’ to honour the late minister’s contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.

“I am proposing to Members of Parliament that we name this legislation after our late colleague, Hon. Dr. Murtala Mohammed. If we name this legislation the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana, it will go a long way in acknowledging his efforts to end plastic pollution in Ghana. That cause was very dear to him.”

Prof. Ayamga-Adongo said dedicating the legislation to the late minister would ensure that his legacy continues to inspire Ghana’s efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among eight people who lost their lives on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while en route from Accra to the launch of the  government’s Cooperative Mining Initiative, an anti-galamsey programme.

The victims included Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Samuel Sarpong, former NDC parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye, and three Ghana Armed Forces personnel — Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

A National Inter-Faith Memorial Service held on August 6, 2026, brought together bereaved families, government officials and members of the public to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy and honour the lives, service and sacrifices of the eight victims.