Accra: The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has formally announced a comprehensive ban on all polystyrene foam products, popularly known as styrofoam or 'takeaway packs,' effective 1st January 2027.
According to Ghana Web, the directive was issued following a policy announcement made by President John Dramani Mahama on 5th June 2025 during the World Environment Day celebration. The president declared the government's intention to ban the importation, production, and use of styrofoam products across Ghana to address environmental concerns associated with these materials.
The EPA's statement informs the general public, manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, food vendors, hospitality operators, institutions, and all relevant stakeholders about the impending ban. This initiative will affect the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products across the nation, including food packaging containers, takeaway packs, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants, chop bars, and food vendors, as well as ceiling and insulation materials, foam mattresses and bedding materials, and packaging and cushioning materials.
Exceptions to this prohibition will include EPS products specifically intended for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes, subject to applicable regulations. The EPA has established an 18-month transition window leading up to the enforcement date in January 2027, during which it will engage stakeholders, conduct public education, and hold technical consultations.
Throughout the transition period, the EPA plans to strengthen compliance monitoring, regulatory inspections, and enforcement preparedness to ensure adherence to the directive. It will also collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, port authorities, customs officials, and industry regulators to ensure there are no loopholes at the borders or in distribution chains.
The authority urges all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users of polystyrene products to begin transitioning to alternative materials and calls on the public to support the measure by adopting environmentally friendly packaging practices.