The Binduri Naaba, Alhaji Akorlbila Agetwin Robert, has called on Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority to prosecute individuals and businesses that violate the country's impending ban on Styrofoam products. He emphasized that strict enforcement is crucial to securing compliance. The traditional ruler made the call during a stakeholder engagement in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, as part of the EPA's campaign to sensitize the public to the ban. He commended the government for the initiative, citing the country's unacceptable pollution levels.
The ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics is long overdue, according to the Binduri Naaba. He stressed that decisive action is necessary to protect the environment. The Binduri Naaba, as a traditional ruler and custodian of the environment, welcomed the government's proposed ban. He added that prosecution must be part of the implementation, and all violators must be prosecuted. Consistent enforcement and prosecution are critical to achieving full compliance, he warned.
The EPA is stepping up nationwide public education ahead of the January 1, 2027, implementation deadline. The Authority has launched an intensive awareness campaign across northern Ghana, visiting regional capitals, including Bolgatanga, to engage stakeholders and educate communities on the policy and its environmental implications. The campaign, led by EPA Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, aims to deepen public understanding of the ban.
The EPA has given manufacturers, importers, and distributors advance notice to prepare for the implementation deadline and stop stocking prohibited products. The Authority has made it clear that the January 1, 2027, deadline will not be extended, signaling its determination to proceed with implementation as scheduled. The northern Ghana campaign follows similar public education exercises in Accra and Kumasi.
The campaign is expected to culminate in a major durbar in Tamale, featuring a public float, a quiz competition, and a debate on the environmental implications of Styrofoam pollution. The EPA is using the engagements to mobilize traditional authorities, businesses, institutions, and the general public behind the policy. Ghana is preparing to phase out the prohibited products, and the Binduri Naaba's call adds to the growing emphasis on enforcement.
The January deadline is fast approaching, and the EPA is intensifying its efforts to ensure a smooth implementation. The Authority has been engaging stakeholders and educating communities on the policy and its environmental implications. The public education exercises aim to encourage responsible consumer choices and secure voluntary compliance before enforcement begins.
The Binduri Naaba's appeal for prosecution of violators is part of a broader call for action to address Ghana's environmental challenges. The country's pollution levels are a pressing concern, and the government's proposed ban on Styrofoam products is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating the issue. The EPA's efforts to engage stakeholders and enforce the ban are critical to its success.
Key points
- The Binduri Naaba has urged the EPA to prosecute individuals and businesses that violate Ghana's impending ban on Styrofoam products.
- The EPA is intensifying its public education efforts ahead of the January 1, 2027, implementation deadline.
- The government's proposed ban on Styrofoam products aims to address Ghana's pressing environmental challenges.
