Anomabo Queen Mothers Support Government’s Proposed 2027 Ban on Plastic Waste

Queen Mothers of the Anomabo Traditional Area have expressed their support for the government’s proposed ban on plastic waste from 2027, citing growing concerns over the impact of plastic pollution on the environment, public health and sanitation.

The Queen Mothers said plastic waste poses a serious environmental challenge because, unlike leaves and other biodegradable materials, most plastic products do not naturally decompose easily and can remain in the environment for long periods.

They made the remarks during the Nana Mbroba Dabo I Heritage Food Festival, an event organised to promote traditional foods, indigenous cooking methods and healthier approaches to food preparation and packaging.

The event, led by the Paramount Queen Mother of the Anomabo Traditional Area, Nana Mbroba Dabo I, featured a cooking competition in which Queen Mothers showcased a variety of traditional dishes prepared using locally available ingredients.

Speaking at the programme, Nana Mbroba Dabo I expressed concern about the increasing presence of plastic waste on land and in the sea, warning of its potential implications for public health and the environment.

She advocated a return to traditional methods of packaging food, particularly the use of leaves and other biodegradable materials.

According to her, traditional food packaging methods could contribute to improved sanitation while helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment.

She also emphasised the importance of healthy eating, noting that locally prepared foods and traditional ingredients can form an important part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles.

The Omankardohemaa of the Anomabo Traditional Area, Nana Bruba VII, also raised concerns about the increasing use of modern spices and food additives in meals.

She encouraged people to rediscover traditional foods and cooking methods, stressing the importance of making healthy food choices rather than relying heavily on medication to address health concerns.

She urged households to pay greater attention to what they consume and to preserve traditional food practices that promote healthier living.

Meanwhile, the former Mfantseman Municipal Director of Education, Mrs Martha Acquah, who served as a judge for the cooking competition, described cooking as an art that requires attention to detail from preparation to presentation.

She explained that the quality and healthiness of a meal depend not only on the ingredients used but also on the cooking utensils, preparation methods, surroundings and packaging.

Mrs Acquah said maintaining hygienic conditions throughout the cooking process was essential to ensuring that food remained safe and healthy for consumption.

Some of the Queen Mothers who participated in the cooking competition also took participants through the various processes involved in preparing their dishes, highlighting the use of traditional ingredients, cooking techniques and indigenous methods of food presentation.

The Heritage Food Festival therefore served as both a celebration of Anomabo’s rich culinary heritage and a platform for promoting healthy eating, environmental responsibility and the preservation of traditional practices.