Accra: Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, a Petroleum Management Expert and Climatologist, has called on the government to take steps to adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system to address waste management issues. According to him, the adoption of the EPR concept would help to manage the rapid increase in electronic waste (e-waste) and plastic pollution, and significantly enhance the economic value derived from such materials while promoting environmental sustainability. According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Kwesie explained that EPR is a policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to disposal. This means that manufacturers are responsible for the collection, recycling, and safe disposal of their products once they reach the end of their useful life. Dr Kwesie stated that by implementing EPR, Ghana could create a circular economy that not only reduced waste but also generated economic opportunities for the teeming youth. He highlighted that the c urrent state of waste management in Ghana is alarming, with the country generating thousands of tons of e-waste and plastic waste annually. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or is improperly disposed of, leading to severe environmental and health hazards. He noted that the informal sector, which handles a significant portion of this waste, often lacks the necessary resources and technology to manage it effectively, and this is where the EPR concept can play a transformative role. Dr Kwesie emphasized that implementing the EPR system in Ghana would require collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organisations. He stressed that the government must establish clear regulations and guidelines for producers to ensure compliance with EPR principles. This could involve setting targets for recycling rates and providing incentives for companies that invested in sustainable practices that protected the environment. Dr Kwesie concluded by stating that it is imperative for stakehold ers to come together to embrace this innovative approach, paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians. Source: Ghana News Agency