Ghana will officially ban the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs, from January 1, 2027, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced.
The move forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at tackling plastic pollution, improving environmental sanitation and promoting sustainable consumption practices across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 25, the EPA said the policy follows an announcement by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations, where government declared its intention to prohibit Styrofoam products as part of efforts to protect the environment and public health.
The directive applies to all forms of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products used for commercial and domestic purposes.
According to the Authority, the ban will cover food packaging containers, takeaway packs, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants and chop bars, insulation materials, foam mattresses, bedding products, as well as packaging and cushioning materials.
The EPA noted that the prohibition would also extend to any other form of polystyrene foam product intended for human use or consumption-related activities.
However, the Authority clarified that certain specialised EPS products intended for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic purposes would be exempt from the ban, subject to approval by the appropriate regulatory bodies.
The EPA explained that the transition period leading to January 2027 is intended to give businesses and consumers adequate time to switch to safer and environmentally sustainable alternatives.
Manufacturers, importers and distributors have therefore been directed to begin preparations immediately by adopting reusable, recyclable and eco-friendly packaging materials ahead of the implementation date.
The Authority said it would embark on extensive nationwide stakeholder engagements, technical consultations and public education campaigns during the transition period to ensure smooth implementation of the policy.
It further indicated that compliance monitoring, regulatory inspections and enforcement preparations would be intensified to ensure full adherence to the directive once it takes effect.
To strengthen enforcement efforts, the EPA said it would collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), port authorities, customs officials and industry regulators.
The Authority also urged the public to support the initiative by embracing environmentally friendly consumption habits and opting for sustainable packaging alternatives as Ghana intensifies efforts to combat 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.
