The Deputy Acting Chief Executive Officer responsible for Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority, Prof. Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has clarified that the proposed ban on Styrofoam will be implemented gradually rather than abruptly. This approach is intended to provide sufficient time for both producers and consumers to adjust. The Authority emphasises that the phase-out is being carefully planned in alignment with available alternatives and broader environmental sustainability goals.
This announcement follows President John Dramani Mahama’s declaration of an imminent ban on the production and use of Styrofoam due to its significant contribution to environmental pollution. In an interview on Citi Eyewitness News on Monday, June 9, Prof. Ayamga-Adongo stressed that while it is essential to address plastic pollution, an immediate ban could adversely affect people’s livelihoods and disrupt existing systems that rely on plastic products. He argues that any phase-out should be based on the availability and rollout of viable alternatives.
“I have heard some people say that within two or three years, we should do away with plastics. I am not too keen on giving dates because when you are talking about these things, you are talking about livelihoods and economic systems dependent on this.
“You need to look at the alternatives that are available. How quickly can they be rolled out? How can we ensure that taking away this does not endanger people? Take sachet water for example, if you take them away, you are going to expose some rural areas to unhygienic water because it is a solution somewhere, so when we are withdrawing something, we need to think of what alternatives exist,” he stated. He, however, opined that the president’s proposal also presents a chance for innovation.
