Hope Smith Lomotey, the Director of Human Settlements at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has said that keeping hot, oily, or acidic foods in takeaway packs poses significant risks to public health.
He detailed that polystyrene containers become hazardous when used to package hot meals like kenkey and instant noodles, as well as oily foods and also acidic foods like citrus fruits and fruit juices.
The EPA Director of Human Settlements defended the government’s decision to ban Styrofoam takeaway packs, warning Ghanaians about its harmful chemicals.
According to Hope Smith, Ghana has reached a point where the dangers associated with polystyrene products’ environmental and health consequences could no longer be ignored.
He disclosed that the ban is to encourage the adoption of safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives to takeaway packaging.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Friday, June 26, Mr Lomotey stated, “If anytime heat gets in contact with this styrofoam, it releases chemicals that are harmful to the human being. Immediately, when oily foods come into contact with it, it releases these toxins, and acidic foods also cause it to release a lot of toxins that are not good for our health,” he warned.
“For human health, it’s not safe. Public health is not safe. Environmentally, we are seeing it in our drains and in the sea. Our fishermen go to sea and harvest some of these plastics and styrofoam. I think we have all reached a point where we have agreed that enough of the problem is enough,” he added.
In related news, 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.
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”.
@ghnow_ Minority Leader, Hon. Afenyo Markin has criticized the government on not delivering on it promises #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – GHnow
