Balancing the ban: Navigating the economic and environmental trade-offs of single-use plastics in Ghana

As bans on single-use plastics gain momentum as a policy tool to combat plastic pollution, debates continue among scholars and policymakers regarding their environmental efficacy and economic consequences. This paper empirically examines the socio-economic and environmental trade-offs of a potential single-use plastic ban in Ghana, guided by the central research question: What are the key considerations and implications of such a policy? Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on quantitative and qualitative data from plastic manufacturers, retailers and households across Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi, and Tamale. The findings reveal a stark divide in stakeholder perspectives: while households overwhelmingly support the ban, citing perceived environmental, aesthetic, and public health benefits, manufacturers and retailers oppose it, pointing to the absence of viable alternatives, weak regulatory enforcement, a thriving black market, and the economic significance of the plastic industry. A ban could lead to significant economic disruptions, including an estimated GHC3.5 million ($648,148) in weekly labour income losses, translating to over GHC14.4 million ($2.6 million) monthly, and an estimated GHC5.4 million ($1 million) in weekly tax revenue losses. These disruptions risk undermining export volumes, foreign exchange earnings, and overall economic stability by decreasing the production and export of plastic-related products while increasing dependence on more expensive imported alternatives, ultimately straining Ghana's trade balance and fiscal space. Rather than an outright ban, the paper recommends a multi-pronged, cross-sectoral policy approach that prioritizes circular economy principles, incentivizes sustainable business innovation, and fosters community-driven voluntary initiatives that promote environmental stewardship. This balanced strategy offers a more economically viable and environmentally sustainable pathway for managing single-use plastics in Ghana.