Hon. Minister Participates in High-Level Discussion on “The Road to Busan: Paving the Way to Deliver an Effective Global Agreement to End Plastic Pollution” at UNGA 2024

The Honorable Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, joined global leaders, environmental experts, and policymakers at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 2024 to participate in a high-level discussion titled “The Road to Busan: Paving the Way to Deliver an Effective Global Agreement to End Plastic Pollution.” This important event, held as part of the UNGA proceedings, focused on building momentum towards the upcoming 2024 negotiations in Busan, South Korea, aimed at finalizing a global treaty to end plastic pollution.

The discussion explored the challenges and opportunities in establishing a legally binding international framework to address the global plastic crisis. Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford highlighted Ghana’s commitment to tackling plastic pollution through national policies and initiatives, including efforts to adopt a circular economy framework for the plastics sector. She emphasized the need for strong collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to achieve meaningful progress.

In her remarks, Hon. Mensah Hayford stated, “Ending plastic pollution requires a unified global response that addresses the entire lifecycle of plastics, from production to disposal. Ghana is fully committed to supporting an ambitious and effective global agreement that ensures sustainable management of plastics, protects our environment, and fosters innovation in waste management solutions.”

The event, co-hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and key global stakeholders, set the stage for ongoing negotiations that will culminate in Busan in December 2024, where nations will work towards finalizing the details of the treaty.

Ghana’s active participation in this crucial dialogue underscores the country’s leadership in environmental sustainability and its dedication to playing a pivotal role in shaping global solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.

The Ministry remains committed to supporting national and international efforts to end plastic pollution and creating a sustainable future for all.