Styrofoam ban: Zanetor backs January 2027 deadline, calls for strict enforcement

Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, has backed the planned ban on polystyrene foam products, saying Ghana must take firm steps to address the environmental challenges associated with their widespread use.

Her comments follow plans by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs, from January 1, 2027.

The EPA has already begun preparations towards the implementation of the policy. The agency recently undertook public education in Kumasi to sensitise the public about the impending ban.

Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for her vetting as Minister-designate, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings said the environmental impact of polystyrene could no longer be ignored.

“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.”

She said successful implementation would require a change in public behaviour, noting that disposable packaging had become increasingly common.

“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.”

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged that changing consumer habits could take time but said incentives and penalties could be used to improve compliance.

“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.”