The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has suggested that Ghana’s upcoming legislation on plastic management should be named after the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, as a tribute to his advocacy against plastic pollution.
The move is part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s response to plastic waste, with authorities preparing legislation to support measures aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics and addressing environmental concerns.
Speaking on Citi FM, an EPA official said Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s dedication to tackling plastic pollution made him deserving of such recognition.
“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 said.
He added, “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.”
Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among eight people who lost their lives in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, while on an official trip.
The incident also claimed the lives of then Defence Minister Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Dr Peter Appiahene, and four members of the Ghana Armed Forces: Wing Commander Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Gyimah, Flight Lieutenant Abdul Rahman Issah and Flying Officer Musah Abdulai.
The crash was met with nationwide mourning, with tributes pouring in for the victims, who were remembered for their service and contributions to Ghana’s development.
One year after the tragedy, a National Interfaith Memorial Service was held on August 6, 2026, to commemorate their lives and reflect on the sacrifices they made in the line of duty.
The ceremony brought together the families of the deceased, government representatives and members of the public, as the nation honoured the eight individuals whose lives were cut short.
