The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has called on the government to expand the Environmental Protection Agency’s planned ban on Styrofoam to cover all single-use plastics, saying the move is essential to reducing plastic pollution, preventing flooding and protecting public health.
Speaking at the GMA’s 26th Public Lecture in Koforidua, the Association’s President, Professor Dr. Med Ernest Yorke, stressed that food packaging should preserve food safety and not become a source of disease.
He noted that the country’s recent floods have highlighted the urgent need to address poor waste management, particularly the indiscriminate disposal of Styrofoam containers and other single-use plastics.
“Recent floods have also renewed an important national conversation on waste management, particularly the widespread use of Styrofoam food containers and other singleuse plastics. Discarded plastic waste contributes significantly to blocked drains and waterways. During heavy rainfall, these obstructed drainage systems reduce the efficient flow of stormwater and worsen flooding.”
Professor Yorke warned that chemicals from plastic packaging can contaminate food and pose serious health risks, making a broader ban on single-use plastics necessary.
“The Government’s decision, through the Environmental Protection Agency, to phase out Styrofoam products, therefore, represents an important environmental and public health intervention.
“If implemented effectively, together with affordable and sustainable alternatives, improved waste collection, recycling, public education, and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, it has the potential to reduce plastic pollution and contribute to cleaner urban environments.
“We believe that the ban must be expanded to include single use plastics in order to achieve a comprehensive solution. From the perspective of public health, this discussion extends beyond flooding,” he explained.
He further emphasised that food packaging should protect food from contamination without creating additional environmental problems.
“Healthcare professionals support the adoption of packaging materials that are safe, environmentally sustainable, affordable and practical for both consumers and food vendors. Any transition should be carefully planned to minimise disruption to livelihoods while promoting innovation and sustainable local industries,” he added.
The public lecture also highlighted broader food safety concerns, with experts warning that contamination can occur throughout the food production chain and contributes significantly to food-borne and non-communicable diseases.
Professor Angela Parry-Hanson Kunadu of the University of Ghana called for stronger preventive measures and greater public education, warning about the growing presence of harmful substances in food.
“The galamsey activities, teflon particles, lead and all sorts of heavy metals we are finding in our food are killing us.”
Deputy Chief Executive of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Roderick Kwabena Daddey-Adjei, urged consumers to buy food only from approved sources and assured the public of the Authority’s commitment to enforcing food safety standards.
“What is happening is not nice. Aflatoxin is serious. Consider its effects on stunted growth, the reproductive system, infertility and many other health conditions. We are guided by the Food and Drugs Authority Act to ensure that adequate standards are met.”
Participants called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, regulators, food producers and consumers to improve food safety and protect public health.
The lecture was held under the theme, “Food Safety in Contemporary Ghana: Public Health Concerns.”
