Ghana is set to enforce a nationwide ban on styrofoam food containers and related products from January 1, 2027, in a major policy move aimed at tackling plastic pollution, improving sanitation and protecting public health.
The ban will cover the importation, manufacture, distribution, sale and use of the products, according to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), which says the measure forms part of the government’s broader efforts to promote sustainable packaging and reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics.
The Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Dr. Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, disclosed the implementation timeline while outlining the policy at a side event during the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
Speaking on behalf of the EPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Dr. Nyantakyi said styrofoam products had become a major environmental concern because of their chemical composition, persistence in the environment and difficulty in recycling.
He explained that their lightweight nature allows them to be easily carried by wind, resulting in indiscriminate littering and the blockage of drains, particularly in urban communities.
“Because of its lightweight nature, it spreads very easily when it gets into the environment, and people dispose of it anyhow. This contributes to the sanitation and drainage challenges we have in the country,” he said.
Dr. Nyantakyi said the decision followed a directive issued by President John Dramani Mahama on June 5, 2025, instructing the EPA to develop a roadmap for phasing out styrofoam food containers in Ghana.
He further cited concerns about the potential health implications of chemicals associated with styrofoam packaging, including substances that have been linked to cancer.
According to him, the gradual breakdown of these materials into smaller particles also contributes to microplastic pollution, with scientific studies raising concerns about the presence of microplastics in environmental systems and the human bloodstream.
He stressed that protecting human life and safeguarding the environment remained central to the government’s decision.
“The vision is that people should live long. You can make money, but if you do not have the life to enjoy that money, then what is the benefit?” he said.
### EPA Engages Manufacturers Ahead of Enforcement
In anticipation of the January 2027 deadline, the EPA said it had commenced consultations with manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers to ensure a smooth transition and minimise the economic impact of the policy.
The engagement is intended to give businesses adequate time to dispose of existing stocks, restructure their operations and identify alternative packaging materials before the prohibition takes effect.
Importers have reportedly been advised against placing new orders, particularly because the importation process takes approximately two to three months.
The EPA is also engaging local manufacturers to encourage them to diversify their production lines and explore alternative business opportunities.
Dr. Nyantakyi indicated that approximately six companies were involved in the local production of the affected products, making stakeholder consultations an important part of the implementation process.
He assured industry players that the transition would be guided by continuous engagement to prevent businesses from being caught unprepared.
### Leaves, Paper Containers Proposed as Alternatives
As part of efforts to replace styrofoam packaging, the EPA is encouraging businesses and consumers to consider environmentally friendly alternatives, including traditional biodegradable materials.
These include leaves traditionally used for wrapping and serving food, as well as plant-based packaging products and paper containers.
Dr. Nyantakyi said the availability and adoption of sustainable alternatives would be essential to the successful implementation of the policy.
The Authority has also commenced public education and sensitisation programmes targeting market operators, food vendors, retailers and consumers to prepare them for the impending restrictions.
The EPA expressed confidence that continued public education and cooperation from industry stakeholders would facilitate compliance when the ban takes effect.
The January 2027 prohibition represents a significant step in Ghana’s campaign against plastic pollution, as authorities seek to strengthen waste management, improve public sanitation and encourage a shift towards environmentally responsible production and consumption.
