The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has officially announced a nationwide ban on the production, importation, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products, commonly referred to as Styrofoam or “takeaway packs.”
The comprehensive ban is scheduled to take full effect on January 1, 2027, marking a aggressive regulatory shift in the country’s battle against plastic pollution.
The directive stems from a policy framework first introduced by H.E. President John Dramani Mahama during the World Environment Day celebrations on June 5, 2025.
According to the EPA, the intervening period serves as a crucial transition window designed to allow local manufacturers, importers, hospitality operators, and food vendors to phase out inventory and adopt sustainable alternatives.
The scope of the restriction targets all expanded polystyrene (EPS) products utilized for commercial and daily human activities.
This encompasses standard food packaging, disposable cups and plates, cushioning materials, and even polystyrene-based ceiling insulation and mattresses.
The EPA has clarified that the only exemptions allowed under the new law will be EPS materials strictly designated for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic applications, which will remain subject to specialised regulatory oversight.
In an official statement released by EPA Management, the authority emphasized the collective urgency behind the policy, framing it as a vital intervention for the nation’s future.
“This policy directive forms part of national efforts to protect public health, improve environmental sanitation, reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainable development, and ensure compliance with established environmental standards,” the EPA stated.
To ensure a seamless transition before the 2027 deadline, the EPA plans to roll out nationwide public education campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and technical consultations.
Concurrently, the regulatory body is tightening its enforcement infrastructure by collaborating with customs officials, port authorities, and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prevent illicit manufacturing and smuggling once the ban matures.
Industrial stakeholders and the public are being urged to pivot immediately toward reusable, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging options.
“The general public is encouraged to support this national environmental protection measure by adopting sustainable consumption practices and environmentally friendly packaging alternatives,” the statement urged, reinforcing the authority’s core mandate that protecting the environment remains a collective responsibility.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana