Ghana to ban polystyrene foam products from 2027
By DL News
Published
1 min read
The directive forms part of government efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote safer environmental practices.
Ghana will ban the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam products from January 1, 2027, the Environmental Protection Authority has announced.
The directive forms part of government efforts to reduce plastic pollution and promote safer environmental practices.
In a statement issued on Monday, May 25, 2026, the EPA said the decision follows an announcement by President John Dramani Mahama during the World Environment Day celebration on June 5, 2025.
At that event, the President said government would take steps to phase out polystyrene products because of their impact on the environment.
The ban will apply to expanded polystyrene foam products used for both domestic and commercial purposes.
Affected items include takeaway food packs, disposable cups and plates, food containers used by restaurants, chop bars and food vendors, packaging materials, cushioning materials, foam mattresses, bedding materials, ceiling panels and insulation products.
However, expanded polystyrene products used strictly for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic purposes will be exempted.
The EPA said those exempted products will still be subject to regulatory control.
The Authority has urged manufacturers, importers, retailers, distributors, food vendors, hospitality businesses and institutions to begin shifting to reusable, recyclable and environmentally friendly alternatives before the enforcement date.
During the transition period, the EPA says it will hold stakeholder engagements, public education campaigns and technical consultations across the country.
It will also intensify compliance monitoring, inspections and enforcement preparations ahead of the January 2027 deadline.
The Authority said it will work with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, customs officials, port authorities and industry regulators to ensure effective implementation once the ban takes effect.
The public has also been encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly packaging and support responsible consumption practices.
