The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced a nationwide ban on polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or “takeaway packs,” effective 1st January 2027, as part of intensified efforts to reduce plastic pollution and improve environmental sanitation.
The decision follows a policy announcement made by President John Dramani Mahama on World Environment Day (5 June 2025), and is expected to significantly reshape packaging practices across Ghana’s food, retail, and hospitality sectors.
In a statement, the EPA emphasized the scope of the ban, noting 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 prohibition will apply to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products used in commercial and domestic settings, including:
- food packaging containers and takeaway packs
- disposable cups and plates
- foam packaging used by restaurants, chop bars, and food vendors
- ceiling and insulation materials made from polystyrene foam
- foam mattresses and bedding materials
- cushioning and packaging materials
The EPA further clarified that:
“The prohibition shall, however, exclude EPS products specifically intended for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes, subject to applicable regulation.”
According to the Authority, the policy is part of a broader national strategy to reduce plastic waste, protect public health, and promote sustainable development. Stakeholders across the value chain—including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and food service operators—have been urged to begin transitioning to environmentally friendly alternatives ahead of the enforcement date.
The EPA also outlined a two-year transition framework, stating:
“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.”
The Authority added that it will collaborate with key institutions such as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), customs authorities, and port regulators to ensure effective nationwide enforcement once the ban takes effect.
Members of the public have been encouraged to support the initiative by adopting sustainable consumption habits and reducing reliance on single-use plastics, with the EPA describing environmental protection as a shared national responsibility.
