‘Don’t Import Styrofoam’ – EPA Warns Businesses Ahead of 2027 Ban

Accra: The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in charge of Operations, Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, has cautioned importers, distributors, and commercial vendors of polystyrene (styrofoam) products that enforcement of the nationwide ban will commence strictly on January 1, 2027, with no extensions or compromises. Addressing traders and importers during the ongoing market sensitisation tours, the Deputy EPA boss warned businesses against placing new import orders for styrofoam packaging. According to Ghana Web, Prof. Ayamga-Adongo stated that any consignment brought into the country after the deadline would face immediate confiscation and the imposition of legal penalties. He dismissed doubts among some commercial actors who believe the government will not enforce the ban, stressing that businesses have been given sufficient time and that extensive public sensitisation has been carried out. "We have given ample time, and if at this point in time you still decid e to go importing polystyrene products and their derivatives, you are definitely going to be dealing with us when January 1 comes. People don't believe that we are going to do it this time, but we want to urge you that we are not stopping anywhere. So, don't import and later claim we didn't give you ample time," he warned. The Deputy EPA boss also highlighted the growing shift among Ghanaian consumers and food vendors towards environmentally friendly packaging. He noted that traditional methods, such as wrapping waakye in natural leaves, as well as modern biodegradable paper containers, are gaining popularity. Prof. Ayamga-Adongo argued that if street food vendors and market women can embrace sustainable alternatives, corporate importers and large-scale vendors should have no excuse for failing to comply with the ban. "If you go around the markets, women who sell waakye will ask you whether you prefer styrofoam or natural leaves. Traders are already making the leap to explore sustainable alternatives. I see no reason why anyone should argue that we cannot do it," he said. Reaffirming Ghana's commitment to eliminating non-biodegradable waste, the EPA official noted that several African countries have successfully banned styrofoam and other single-use plastics without harming their local economies. "Other African countries have done it, and we are going to do it. We are not stopping," he concluded.