Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has encouraged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to uphold the January 1, 2027 deadline for prohibiting the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products, popularly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs.
Zanetor stressed that the environmental risks linked to the extensive use and disposal of polystyrene products are too significant to ignore, highlighting the necessity for decisive measures to mitigate their effects.
She made these statements on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during her appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for her vetting as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology.
The Korle Klottey Member of Parliament asserted that the proposed ban is essential as part of broader initiatives to tackle Ghana’s escalating waste management issues and to encourage more environmentally responsible practices.
She pointed out that the EPA has recently initiated public education efforts in anticipation of the ban’s implementation, mentioning an awareness campaign in Kumasi as evidence of preparations for the policy.
“I believe that the EPA, just a couple of days ago, was actually in Kumasi raising awareness on the impending ban on styrofoam. I believe that the dangers around the use of polystyrene cannot be glossed over, and it has to be done.
“Not to belittle the issue, but I remember as children, when you wanted to go for Auntie Naa’s rice, you took your own pot to go and buy the rice, and I am not sure at which point putting plastic within plastic became the norm, and I think it comes down to a change in behaviour.
“Obviously, behaviour change is something that can take time, but it can be incentivised, or you can put penalties in place. It comes down to how we enforce the ban and the seriousness with which we seek to address this. I stand by the fact that the ban timeline has to be maintained,” she added.
