Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain the January 1, 2027 deadline for the ban on Styrofoam or takeaway packs.
According to Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, environmental dangers associated with the widespread use and disposal of polystyrene products are too significant to be overlooked.
She highlighted that the proposed ban on polystyrene foam products is necessary to address Ghana’s growing waste management challenges.
Speaking on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when she appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for her vetting as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings stated, “I believe that the EPA, just a couple of days ago, was actually in Kumasi raising awareness on the impending ban on styrofoam. I believe that the dangers around the use of polystyrene cannot be glossed over, and it has to be done.
“Not to belittle the issue, but I remember as children, when you wanted to go for Auntie Naa’s rice, you took your own pot to go and buy the rice, and I am not sure at which point putting plastic within plastic became the norm, and I think it comes down to a change in behaviour.
“Obviously, behaviour change is something that can take time, but it can be incentivised, or you can put penalties in place. It comes down to how we enforce the ban and the seriousness with which we seek to address this. I stand by the fact that the ban timeline has to be maintained.”
Also, Dr Zanetor proposed CSIR funding for plant-based alternatives to plastics.
“What I believe can be done in addition to this is to channel some funding towards the CSIR, so that they can actually look into biological alternatives, for example hemp, for example cassava,” she said.
“We have a lot of plant produce that can be used to make plastic alternatives which can break down and don’t actually persist in the environment.”
“I believe that once again with regards to the issue around plastic waste, it’s an all-of-government, all-of-society approach,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association urges the government to delay the planned 2027 Styrofoam ban until 2030.
According to the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association, the ban on Styrofoam products must be in a phased transition.
In a GHOne news card, the Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association stated, “Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association urge government to delay planned 2027 Styrofoam ban until 2030, calls for phased transition”.
The development follows the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announcing the ban on all polystyrene foam products, popularly known as “Styrofoam” or “Takeaway Packs,” in Ghana, effective 1st January 2027.
According to the EPA, the ban covers all forms of expanded polystyrene foam products used for human and commercial activities.
This includes “food packaging containers and takeaway packs, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants, chop bars and food vendors, ceiling and insulation materials, foam mattresses and bedding materials, and packaging and cushioning materials”.
The EPA, however, exclude EPS products specifically intended for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes, subject to applicable regulations.
@ghnow_ President Mahama departs after the sod-cutting ceremony for the new airport complex. ✈️🇬🇭 #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – NDCMUSICHQ
@ghnow_ Safety and Security remains non negotiable – President John Mahama #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
