The Kasoa Area Office of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has started an outreach campaign in Winneba to inform the public about the proposed ban on styrofoam products. As part of the campaign, staff from the Kasoa Area Office and Agona Swedru District Office participated in a float through the principal streets of Winneba, engaging with shop owners, eateries, supermarket owners, and consumers. They discussed the reasons behind the ban and encouraged the use of eco-friendly alternatives such as paper packs, biodegradable food containers, and reusable bowls.
The EPA's Kasoa Office Area Head, Mr. Dawood Abass, highlighted that the Government of Ghana, through the EPA, has announced a nationwide ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and usage of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam. This ban, set to commence on January 1, 2027, aims to improve environmental sanitation, protect public health, reduce plastic pollution, and promote sustainable development. The period leading up to January 2027 has been designated as a transition period for stakeholder engagement, public education, and technical consultation.
According to Mr. Abass, the ban on styrofoam products is multifaceted, targeting food packaging containers, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants and chop bars, insulation materials, and cushioning materials. However, specialized EPS products for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes are exempt, subject to regulatory approval. The health justification for the ban is backed by scientific research, which shows that styrofoam, a petroleum-based product made from styrene, can leach into food and drinks, releasing harmful chemicals when in contact with heat.
The EPA's campaign in Winneba also focused on the environmental concerns associated with styrofoam products. Mr. Abass emphasized that styrofoam does not decompose and can remain in the soil for decades, polluting the environment and reducing soil fertility. Improperly disposed of takeaway packs contribute to clogged drains, gutters, rivers, and lagoons, leading to perennial flooding in urban areas. The accumulation of styrofoam waste in drains serves as breeding grounds for disease vectors, worsening public sanitation challenges.
Rev. Atta Mensah, Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, commended the EPA's national campaign on the ban, following a Presidential Directive announced during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations. He thanked the Kasoa Area Head of EPA and staff for their outreach campaign, creating awareness on the ban and educating the public against bad environmental practices. He called on everyone to prepare for the ban, strictly obey it, and change their attitude towards the environment.
Some traders and members of the public have expressed concerns about the cost of eco-friendly alternatives, calling for government support to reduce costs. Others have suggested extending the ban to cover other single-use plastics, such as polythene bags and sachet water plastics. They urged the market leadership and the Assembly to support continuous education and enforcement when the ban is rolled out.
The EPA's sensitization campaign in Winneba demonstrates its commitment to public education and stakeholder engagement ahead of the enforcement of the ban. The authority has assured the public of its continuous engagement towards a smooth transition and the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives. The ban on styrofoam products is part of a broader national strategy to eliminate non-biodegradable single-use plastics in Ghana.
Key points
- The EPA has begun a nationwide campaign to educate the public on the ban of styrofoam products, set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
- The ban aims to improve environmental sanitation, protect public health, reduce plastic pollution, and promote sustainable development.
- The EPA has encouraged the use of eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper packs, biodegradable food containers, and reusable bowls.
