Ghanaians are being strongly advised to shift toward eco-friendly packaging options ahead of an impending national ban on expanded polystyrene foam products, commonly referred to as styrofoam.
Effective January 1, 2027, the government will officially prohibit the manufacturing, importation, distribution, sale, and usage of styrofoam items, including single-use plates, cups, and takeaway containers.
The warning was issued during an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) public sensitization campaign held in Damongo, located in the Savannah Region.
Addressing participants at the outreach, the Executive Director of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, highlighted the severe environmental and health risks linked to the continued reliance on single-use plastics. She reassured the public that suitable eco-friendly alternatives exist and will expand as enforcement nears.
“These styrofoam, these takeaway packs they are destroying our land, choking our gutters, degrading our environment and more importantly affecting our health. So there are alternative products that are already in the market and once we enforce the ban more of these products will be available,” she said.
Endorsing the initiative, the Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Yussif Biawuribe, pledged the region’s complete commitment to the policy. He advocated for sustained public education and urged faith-based leaders to use their platforms to discourage congregants from using styrofoam.
Adding to the call, the Savannah Regional Director of the EPA, Dr. Abu Iddrisu, stressed that persistent environmental littering poses a direct threat to the region’s ecotourism drive.
“Our parents, mothers, sisters and ourselves deserve better. We cannot develop tourism with litter. No tourist will come to see Mole if the route to Mole is littered with takeaway containers,” he said.
On security and enforcement, the Ghana Police Service, represented by the Savannah Regional Police Commander, DCOP David Kweku Amoako, affirmed the service’s readiness to back the law, emphasizing that law enforcement remains a key partner in safeguarding the nation’s natural environment.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana