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Government has said it is considering effects that are likely to arise when an outright ban is placed on the use of polythene bags. The ban on plastic bags will be part of steps to phase out plastic carrier bags for more environmentally friendly paper bags. The Ministry of Environment has put forward a proposal to ban the use of the material on the basis that it contributes to the waste menace in the country. But the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers want Government to consider the use of the biodegradable materials in the production of plastic rather than placing an outright ban on it. Speaking at a news conference in Accra, Deputy Information Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that government is yet to announce modalities for the ban.He said �i do know that cabinet has discussed this matter extensively, the ministry of Environment, Science and Technology was tasked to come out with an implementation plan. "Indeed i know that they have finished with that work but it has to do with that start point, and how do we start, should it be gradual or should it be an outright ban and if it is an outright ban, what would be the effect on the livelihoods of most people who earn a living by depending on this kind of sachet water production? "So you should expect a more concrete announcement about the implementation, how we intend to roll out the implementation very soon, but the bio-degradable materials have been extensively looked at�.