The Environmental Protection Authority (Environmental Protection Authority) has announced a nationwide ban on the production, importation, sale and use of Styrofoam products, set to take effect from January 1, 2027, as part of efforts to tackle plastic pollution and improve environmental sanitation.
The directive follows a policy announcement made by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations, where government signaled plans to eliminate polystyrene foam products in a broader environmental protection strategy.
According to the EPA, the ban covers all expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products commonly used in food packaging, takeaway containers, disposable plates and cups, and insulation materials, as well as foam mattresses and packaging materials widely used in commerce and households.
However, the Authority noted that EPS products used for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic purposes will be exempted, subject to regulatory approval.
The EPA said the policy is aimed at reducing environmental degradation, improving public health outcomes, and promoting sustainable waste management practices across the country.
It added that a transition period will allow manufacturers, importers, retailers and users to shift from Styrofoam products to environmentally friendly and recyclable alternatives.
The Authority further directed stakeholders across the supply chain to begin adopting sustainable packaging solutions ahead of the enforcement date.
To support implementation, the EPA said it will roll out nationwide public education campaigns, stakeholder engagements and technical consultations, while strengthening monitoring and enforcement systems.
It also plans to collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, port authorities, customs officials and industry regulators to ensure compliance once the ban takes effect.
Environmental experts have long raised concerns about the widespread use of Styrofoam in Ghana, particularly in the food and hospitality sectors, citing its role in blocked drainage systems, urban flooding and pollution of water bodies.
The EPA stressed that the move represents a major step toward reducing long-term environmental damage and encouraging a shift to sustainable consumption practices nationwide.
