The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has called on President John Mahama and Parliament to name Ghana's proposed plastics legislation after the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, in recognition of his commitment to tackling plastic pollution.

The EPA's Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Prof Michael Ayamga-Adongo, said the proposed law would serve as a lasting tribute to the late minister's environmental advocacy and efforts to combat plastic waste.

Prof Ayamga-Adongo disclosed that the EPA is finalising legislation to support the planned ban on single-use plastics, including Styrofoam food containers, which is scheduled 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."

Prof Ayamga-Adongo said he wants the legislation to be named the Murtala Mohammed Law on Plastics in Ghana in honour of 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," he said on Citi FM.

He said dedicating the legislation to Dr Muhammed would preserve his legacy and continue to inspire Ghana's efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed was among eight people who died on August 6, 2025, when a Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region while they were travelling from Accra to the launch of the government's Cooperative Mining Initiative, an anti-illegal mining initiative.

The crash also claimed the lives of 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 Interfaith Memorial Service held on August 6, 2026, brought together bereaved families, government officials and members of the public to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy and honour the lives, service and sacrifices of the eight victims.