‘Take-away’ pack ban to take effect on 1st January 2027

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced that the nationwide ban on polystyrene foam products, commonly known as “take-away packs” or Styrofoam, will take effect from 1st January 2027.

The statement was signed by the management of the EPA and issued on 25th May 2026.

The Authority said the directive follows a policy announcement by John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 World Environment Day celebration to prohibit the importation, production and use of polystyrene products in Ghana.

“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 statement said.

According to the EPA, the ban will cover “all forms of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products used for human activities and commercial purposes.”

The affected products include food packaging containers, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants and food vendors, ceiling and insulation materials made from polystyrene foam, foam mattresses and bedding materials, as well as packaging and cushioning materials.

The Authority, however, clarified that EPS products intended for “medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes” would be exempted from the restriction, subject to regulatory approval.

The EPA said the measure forms part of broader national efforts aimed at improving environmental sanitation, protecting public health and reducing plastic pollution across the country.

“This policy directive forms part of national efforts to protect public health, improve environmental sanitation, reduce plastic pollution, promote sustainable development, and ensure compliance with established environmental standards,” the statement noted.

The Authority has directed manufacturers, importers, distributors and users of Styrofoam products to begin transitioning to safer and environmentally sustainable alternatives ahead of the implementation date.

“In preparation for the implementation of this directive, the Authority requires all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users of polystyrene foam products to commence transition to safer, reusable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable alternatives,” it stated.

The EPA further disclosed that it would intensify stakeholder engagements, public education campaigns, technical consultations and enforcement preparations during the transition period.

It added that the Authority would collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, port authorities, customs officials and industry regulators to ensure effective nationwide enforcement once the ban takes effect.