The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has urged Ghanaians to embrace traditional and biodegradable packaging materials as alternatives to styrofoam products ahead of the nationwide ban scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The Authority has identified traditional leaves used for wrapping food, sugarcane-derived bagasse, other plant-based packaging materials and paper bags as possible substitutes for the products.
Dr Jackson Adiyiah Nyantakyi, Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, made the appeal on behalf of the Authority’s Chief Executive, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, during a press conference by Ghana’s delegation at the 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
He urged the public, importers, distributors and businesses to take notice of the impending ban and begin transitioning to environmentally friendly alternatives before the implementation deadline.
Dr Nyantakyi said the policy was informed by environmental and public health concerns associated with styrofoam products, stressing the need for collective efforts to reduce their use.
He encouraged Ghanaians to reconsider traditional food packaging practices, particularly the use of leaves for wrapping and serving food, describing them as biodegradable alternatives that could help reduce environmental pollution.
He also identified bagasse, a fibre derived from sugarcane, other plant-based packaging materials and paper bags as alternatives that could support the transition away from styrofoam.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the government’s policy to prohibit polystyrene foam products during the 2025 World Environment Day celebrations.
The EPA subsequently announced that the nationwide ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of expanded polystyrene foam products, commonly known as styrofoam or takeaway packs, would take effect on January 1, 2027.
The policy covers various applications of the material, including food packaging containers, disposable cups and plates, insulation materials and other commercial and domestic products. Certain products intended for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic purposes are exempt, subject to regulatory approval.
The Authority has since embarked on stakeholder engagements and public education campaigns to prepare manufacturers, importers, food vendors, retailers and consumers for the transition.
