The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken its public awareness campaign on the impending ban on styrofoam to the Central Regional Trade, Tourism and Investment Fair in Cape Coast.
As part of the campaign to sensitise exhibitors and patrons about the ban, officials of the Authority went round the various stands at the fair to sensitise exhibitors and patrons on the dangers polystyrene foam products pose to the environment.
They also exhibited alternative materials that could be used in place of polystyrene foam products and appealed to the public to accept the ban and embrace the alternatives.
The exercise was carried out on Monday, August 31, 2026, during the opening of the 2026 Central Expo at the Adisadel College Park.
The fair, which has become a major annual exhibition, showcases local businesses, trade potential, agricultural produce, arts, crafts and tourism opportunities from the 22 metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the Central Region.
In her speech as the guest speaker, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, reiterated that environmental protection was a collective responsibility and appealed to the chiefs of the region to support the proposed ban on polystyrene foam products.
She said the environment provided “the air that we breathe, the water that we drink and the food that we eat so we cannot take away the environment while we go about our businesses or daily activities,”
In view of this, she appealed to business owners to seek advice from the EPA and obtain permits and guidelines to enable them to operate in a manner that does not pollute the environment.
“Every business here requires a permit from the EPA. If you are not sure, just ask yourself a simple question. Does your operation affect the air that we breathe? Does your operation affect the water that we drink and use? Does your operation affect the land that we live on?” she emphasised.
“If you are still not sure, get to the nearest EPA office, present your business idea and the office will advise you as to whether you need a permit and the type of permit you need,” she continued.
Background:
The EPA has announced an impending ban on styrofoam products effective January 1, 2027, and launched a nationwide public awareness campaign to prepare the public for it.
According to the EPA, the ban has become imperative because styrofoam products are non-biodegradable, stay in the environment for years and contribute significantly to plastic pollution.
According to Prof Browne Klutse, styrofoam contributes significantly to blocking urban drainage systems when dumped into drains and water bodies because it chokes the pathways and prevents water from flowing, which worsens flooding in Accra and other cities.
Source: CAU/CR-EPA
