Delay planned 2027 ban on Styrofoam until 2030 – Ghana Plastic Manufacturers Association tells gov’t

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EPA bans Styrofoam 'takeaway packs' effective January 1, 2027

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.

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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”.

Some netizens reacting to their demands wrote, “Would they have told the government to stop the ban if it was Covid 19? Why are we doing this to ourselves? It is not good for health; let’s ban it”.

“They want extra time to continue poisoning people with chemicals that contaminate food, and this is throwing away indiscriminate blocking gutters… they alternative way to still produce what is better and safer for the country”, a netizen added.

A netizen noted, “If we don’t do it now, we may never do it. As a nation, this ban is long overdue. We need sacrifices and discipline, and we may reduce filth and flooding significantly”.

One X user added, “Greedy people not concerned about the environment. Move to biodegradable and plant-based products. Govt seeks the good of the entire citizens, not a few profit-seeking businesses who do not plan with environmental impact in mind, especially Chinese, Lebanese, and Indian businesses”.

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.

Which 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.

In a statement issued on May 25, 2026, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) wrote, “On 5th June 2025, during the World Environment Day celebration, H.E. President John Dramani Mahama announced the Government’s policy to ban the importation, production, and use of polystyrene (styrofoam) products in Ghana as a critical measure to combat plastic pollution and safeguard the environment.

Pursuant to this policy announcement, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), wishes to inform the general public, manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, food vendors, hospitality operators, institutions, and all relevant stakcholders that the ban on production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products, popularly known as “Styrofoam” or “Takeaway Packs,” in Ghana shall become effective 1st January 2027.

The ban shall apply to all forms of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products used for human activities and commercial purposes, including, but not limited to:

a. Food packaging containers and takeaway packs

b. Disposable cups and plates e. Foam packs used by restaurants, chop bars, and food vendors

d. Ceiling and insulation materials made from polystyrene foam e. Foam mattresses and bedding materials

f. Packaging and cushioning materials

g. Any other form of polystyrene foam product intended for human use or consumption- related activities

Note: The prohibition shall, however, exclude EPS products specifically intended for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes, subject to the applicable regulator.

This policy directive forms part of national efforts to protect public health, improve environmental sanitation, reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainable development, and ensure compliance with established environmental standards.

In preparation for the implementation of this directive, the Authority requires all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users of polystyrene foam products to commence transition to safer. reusable. recvclable. and environmentally sustainable alternatives.

The Authority will, over the transition period leading to 1st January 2027, undertake nationwide stakeholder engagement, public education, and technical consultations, while simultaneously strengthening compliance monitoring, regulatory inspections, and enforcement preparedness to ensure full adherence to this directive.

The Authority shall collaborate with all relevant institutions, including Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), port authorities, customs officials, and industry regulators to ensure effective nationwide enforcement of the ban upon commencement.

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.

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