The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) will seize Styrofoam products found in shops and other commercial outlets from January 1, 2027, when Ghana’s planned ban on the importation, manufacturing, distribution, retail and use of the products takes effect.
The Bono East Acting Regional Director of the EPA, Mr. Emmanuel Lignule, said the measure was aimed at addressing the environmental and health risks associated with the use and improper disposal of Styrofoam products.
Speaking on the ban, Mr. Lignule identified takeaway food packs, disposable plates, spoons and cups commonly used for packaging food and serving guests at meetings, weddings, funerals and other social gatherings as some of the products that would be affected.
He explained that Styrofoam products were lightweight because they consisted largely of air, making them easily susceptible to being carried by the wind when improperly disposed of.
“Because Styrofoam products are very light in weight, when they are used and the waste is not properly disposed of, the wind easily blows them away,” he said.
According to him, some of the discarded products end up in drains, contributing to blockages that worsen flooding, particularly during the rainy season.
Mr. Lignule also raised concerns about the possible health effects of using Styrofoam containers to package hot food, explaining that the practice could lead to the release of chemical substances harmful to human health.
He further warned that burning Styrofoam waste in the open could release hazardous substances, including styrene and benzene, exposing people in the surrounding areas to potential health risks.
“When Styrofoam products are part of the waste that gets burnt in the open, they release substances such as styrene and benzene, among other substances that are harmful to people who are exposed to this open burning,” he cautioned.
The EPA official added that the products did not readily degrade in the environment and could persist for hundreds of years before breaking down into smaller particles, including microplastics, which could remain in the soil for extended periods.
To minimise the impact of the ban on consumers and businesses, Mr. Lignule encouraged the public to begin adopting alternative food packaging materials before the January 2027 deadline.
He recommended aluminium foil and containers, glass plates, paper packaging, biodegradable plastics and leaves as alternatives to Styrofoam products.
“We encourage the public to start using these alternatives from now so that by January 1, 2027, we will have become used to them and will be able to continue using them as we phase out the takeaway packs,” he said.
On enforcement, Mr. Lignule said the EPA would initially seize Styrofoam products found in shops from the effective date, while additional punitive measures could follow for those who failed to comply.
“As a first step, we will seize the products, and other punitive measures may follow,” he stated.
Some residents of Techiman who spoke to Classic FM expressed support for the government’s initiative, citing the need to protect the environment and reduce the improper disposal of waste.
The residents welcomed the move to phase out Styrofoam products and supported the promotion of alternative packaging materials to help reduce pollution and protect public health.
Their support comes as the EPA urges consumers, food vendors, retailers and event organisers to begin preparing for the ban ahead of its implementation.
The planned policy is expected to require changes in food packaging and service practices, particularly among businesses and individuals who rely heavily on disposable takeaway containers for everyday commercial activities and social events.
Source: Newspyramid.com
