The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced that Ghana will, effective January 1, 2027, prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products—commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 25, the Authority explained that the ban is part of a national strategy to combat plastic pollution, improve environmental sanitation, and promote sustainable consumption practices. The directive builds on a pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations, where the government committed to eliminating Styrofoam products to safeguard public health and the environment.
The EPA clarified that the ban will cover all forms of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products used for both commercial and domestic purposes. The statement, addressed to manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, food vendors, hospitality operators, and the general public, urged stakeholders to prepare for compliance with the new policy.
The ban will cover a wide range of products, including food packaging containers, takeaway packs, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants and chop bars, insulation materials, foam mattresses, bedding products, and packaging or cushioning materials. The EPA noted that the prohibition would also extend to any other form of polystyrene foam product intended for human use or consumption-related activities.
The Authority clarified that certain specialised EPS products designed for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic use will be exempt from the ban, subject to approval by the relevant regulatory agencies.
It explained that the transition period leading up to January 2027 is intended to give businesses and consumers sufficient time to adopt safer, more environmentally sustainable alternatives. Manufacturers, importers, and distributors have therefore been instructed to begin preparations immediately by shifting to reusable, recyclable, and eco‑friendly packaging materials ahead of the enforcement date.
The EPA further indicated that it will conduct extensive nationwide stakeholder engagements, technical consultations, and public education campaigns during the transition period to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.
In addition, the EPA said it would intensify compliance monitoring, regulatory inspections and enforcement preparations to ensure full adherence to the directive once it comes into force. To strengthen enforcement efforts, the Authority plans to collaborate with key state institutions, including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), port authorities, customs officials and industry regulators.
The EPA also called on the public to support the initiative by embracing environmentally friendly consumption habits and opting for sustainable packaging alternatives as Ghana intensifies efforts to combat plastic waste and environmental degradation. “The general public is encouraged to support this national environmental protection measure by adopting sustainable consumption practices and environmentally friendly packaging alternatives,” the statement ended.
Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
