The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced that Ghana will officially ban the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs, starting January 1, 2027.
This directive is part of a broader national strategy aimed at combating plastic pollution, improving environmental sanitation, and promoting sustainable consumption across the country.
The policy follows an announcement by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations, stressing the government’s commitment to protecting the environment and public health.
The ban will apply to all forms of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products used commercially and domestically, including food packaging containers, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants and chop bars, insulation materials, foam mattresses, bedding, and packaging materials.
Certain specialized EPS products used for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes will be exempt, subject to regulatory approval.
The EPA emphasized a transition period leading up to January 2027 to allow businesses and consumers to switch to reusable, recyclable, and eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
“Manufacturers, importers, and distributors have been directed to begin preparations immediately,” the EPA said in a statement.
The Authority also plans extensive nationwide stakeholder engagements, technical consultations, public education campaigns, and intensified compliance monitoring and enforcement to ensure smooth implementation of the ban.
Collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), port authorities, customs officials, and industry regulators will strengthen enforcement efforts.
The EPA urged the public to support the initiative by adopting environmentally friendly consumption habits and sustainable packaging choices as Ghana intensifies efforts to reduce plastic waste and environmental degradation.
“The general public is encouraged to support this national environmental protection measure by adopting sustainable consumption practices and environmentally friendly packaging alternatives,” the statement concluded.
Below is the statement from the EPA:
