General News
Ghana Declares War on Styrofoam: Mahama Announces Bold Ban to Clean Up the Nation
Ghana to Ban Styrofoam Packaging in Push for Greener Future – Mahama Announces on World Environment Day
President John Dramani Mahama has announced a sweeping environmental policy that will see the production and importation of styrofoam food containers banned in Ghana. The decision, revealed during World Environment Day 2025 celebrations at the Kwabenya Community Day School, is part of a broader strategy to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable living.
“We will ban the importation and production of styrofoam in Ghana. Food packaging will shift to paper or aluminium foil,” President Mahama declared, urging manufacturers and importers to prepare for the shift.
The Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology is expected to enforce the new regulation in the coming months. This move will impact a range of businesses, particularly food vendors, takeaway services, importers, and local manufacturers who rely on styrofoam due to its low cost.
Styrofoam, a common form of single-use plastic, has long been criticised by environmental experts for its non-biodegradable nature and harmful effects on drainage systems, marine life, and human health. Mahama emphasized that plastic waste is a growing national crisis, clogging gutters, polluting farmlands, and choking urban waterways.
“If we do nothing, plastics could outweigh fish in our oceans by 2050,” the president warned, citing global projections.
The styrofoam ban is part of a wider range of initiatives under Ghana’s National Plastics Management Policy, which compels producers and importers to take responsibility for the lifecycle of their plastic products. The government has also updated its Solid Waste Management Strategy, with the goal of cutting plastic landfill waste by 60% by 2030.
Several cities, including Tamale and Takoradi, are already testing waste separation programs using colour-coded bins, with promising early results. Mahama praised entrepreneurs who are turning plastic waste into useful products such as building materials, textiles, and fuel briquettes. He pointed to the recycled plastic bins presented at the event as a sign of Ghana’s innovation and progress.
In addition to the ban, President Mahama unveiled the One Tree Per Child initiative. Each schoolchild across the country will receive a seedling to plant and nurture, supported by teachers, forestry officers, and traditional leaders. The initiative aims not only to plant millions of trees by 2030 but also to nurture environmental responsibility in Ghana’s youth.
The president also reiterated a government directive to phase out wooden furniture in public schools, replacing them with desks made from recycled plastic or metal in an effort to curb deforestation.
President Mahama ended with a powerful message to the nation:
“To every Ghanaian, I issue a simple challenge: pledge not to litter, reduce your plastic use, and plant and care for at least one tree. Let us lead by example, refuse single-use plastics, and build a clean, green Ghana together.”
Crime and Investigation
OSP Invites Former GACL Board Chair Paul Adom-Otchere Over Suspected Corruption in Audit Deal
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has summoned Paul Adom-Otchere, the former Board Chairman of Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), for questioning as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities.
The probe focuses on a revenue assurance audit contract between GACL and a private firm, with suspicions surrounding the financial management and accounting of airport revenues under the agreement.
In an official letter dated July 25, 2025, the OSP identified Mr. Adom-Otchere as a suspect in the matter, citing potential corruption and corruption-related offenses. He has been asked to appear at the OSP’s South Ridge office on Thursday, July 31, 2025.
Confirming receipt of the summons in an interview with Myjoyonline.com, Mr. Adom-Otchere, who recently completed his term as board chair, disclosed that his legal team has requested a new date—Monday, August 4—due to court engagements in Kumasi.
While pledging his full cooperation, he expressed surprise at being singled out, arguing that the decision-making around the contract was primarily handled by GACL management and its managing director, both of whom remain in office and available to assist with the inquiry.
Crime and Investigation
Court of Appeal Grants GHS10 Million Bail to Ato Essien Amid Health Concerns
The Court of Appeal has granted William Ato Essien, founder of the now-defunct Capital Bank, bail set at GHS10 million pending the outcome of his appeal against a 15-year prison sentence.
The bail decision, delivered on Wednesday, July 30, includes conditions such as the submission of his passport to the court and monthly check-ins with the court registrar. Two sureties are also required.
Essien was sentenced to 15 years in prison with hard labour in October 2023 by an Accra High Court, following his guilty plea to 16 counts of stealing, money laundering, and conspiracy to steal. The charges stemmed from his role in the collapse of Capital Bank, involving over GHS90 million in financial misconduct.
In May 2024, Essien applied for bail pending appeal, citing deteriorating health, but the request was rejected by the High Court. He then escalated the matter to the Court of Appeal.
During the latest hearing, Essien’s legal team stressed his worsening health condition and the need for urgent medical care. They also highlighted his partial fulfillment of a plea deal that required him to repay GHS90 million to the state. He had initially paid GHS30 million in December 2022, but failed to meet subsequent payment deadlines for the remaining GHS60 million.
The prosecution opposed the bail, arguing that Essien had not honored the terms of the agreement. However, the three-member panel of justices pointed out that Section 35 of the Courts Act (Act 459)—which allows for restitution in exchange for a possible non-custodial sentence—raises questions that must be examined in the appeal process.
Background:
Essien and three associates were charged for offenses that led to the collapse of Capital Bank, including theft and money laundering amounting to GHS90 million. After entering a plea bargain, Essien agreed to repay the state in structured installments: GHS20 million each by April, August, and December 2023. By April, he had only paid GHS4 million of the first tranche and a total of GHS7 million by the time of sentencing.
As a result of his failure to meet payment terms, the High Court imposed the custodial sentence.
Following the sentencing, Dr. John Apea, Head of Missions at the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and a board member of the Commonwealth Human Rights Office for Africa, began advocating for clemency on humanitarian grounds. He launched a petition and pledged to present it to former President John Mahama, emphasizing Essien’s fragile health and the need for compassion in justice.
Counsellor D Y Donkoh has issued a public apology to Ghanaian music star Shatta Wale after sharing a prophecy that reportedly left the artist “visibly shaken and traumatised.”
In a statement dated July 27, 2025, Donkoh admitted the prophecy—shared on social media—sparked widespread concern and was never meant to cause fear.
He expressed regret and pledged to be more cautious when sharing future revelations.
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