The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) says the government’s planned ban on styrofoam food containers will have limited impact unless it is expanded to cover other forms of single-use plastics.
The Association is warning that replacing styrofoam with other plastic packaging could leave Ghana facing the same health and environmental risks the proposed ban seeks to address.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday, July 27, the General Secretary of the GMA, Dr Richard Selormey, said growing scientific evidence points to serious health concerns associated with plastic exposure.
He cited potential links between plastics and conditions including cancer, neurological disorders and hormonal disruption.
According to Dr Selormey, the risks are particularly concerning where plastics come into contact with hot food and drinking water.
He said plastic materials used to wrap hot meals such as banku could release harmful substances into food, while improper storage of sachet water, particularly under direct sunlight, could also increase exposure to contaminants.
“People use plastic to wrap banku and other foods before covering them with plantain leaves. These plastics leach into the food we consume,” he said.
The GMA General Secretary also raised concerns about the quality of sachet water, citing studies that have found bacterial contamination in some samples.
He further said research had detected microplastics in human tissues, highlighting what he described as the broader health implications of widespread plastic use.
Dr Selormey therefore argued that a policy targeting only styrofoam containers could encourage consumers and businesses to switch to other plastic alternatives rather than eliminate the underlying problem.
“If we are going to ban styrofoam, we might as well ban plastics. It makes implementation easier and helps achieve what we want,” he said.
He pointed to Rwanda’s restrictions on plastic bags as an example of how comprehensive plastic-control measures could be implemented.
The GMA is urging the government to promote reusable paper products and biodegradable packaging as alternatives.
Dr Selormey acknowledged that the transition could involve initial economic costs for consumers and businesses but argued that the long-term benefits to public health and the environment would outweigh the expense.
The Association is consequently calling for a broader policy approach that addresses the full range of single-use plastics rather than focusing exclusively on styrofoam containers.
