Environmental advocacy group AERC Ghana has welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to ban the production, importation, sale, distribution, and use of styrofoam and takeaway packs from January 1, 2027, describing the move as a major step in Ghana’s battle against plastic pollution.
In a statement, the organisation said the planned ban was long overdue and necessary to address the growing environmental damage caused by single-use plastics and foam packaging across the country.
According to AERC Ghana, styrofoam waste has contributed significantly to clogged drains, worsening floods, sanitation challenges, and rising environmental costs for communities and local authorities.
The group stressed that the policy should not be viewed only as a waste management intervention but also as a critical measure for public health, environmental justice, and flood prevention.
However, AERC Ghana cautioned that the success of the ban would depend heavily on how effectively the country prepares for the transition before the 2027 implementation date.
The organisation is therefore calling for the immediate development of a comprehensive national “Foam-Free Transition Plan” to guide businesses, institutions, food vendors, and households ahead of the ban.
“A ban alone is not enough,” the statement said. “The real test will be whether affordable and safe alternatives are available and whether the transition is managed fairly.”
AERC Ghana warned that without proper preparation, the policy could place an economic burden on small food vendors, chop bars, caterers, market women, school canteens, and low-income consumers who currently depend on low-cost disposable packaging.
The group argued that environmental reforms must protect livelihoods while promoting sustainability.
As part of its recommendations, AERC Ghana urged government and regulatory agencies to publish clear guidelines outlining what products would be prohibited, acceptable alternatives, and how enforcement would be carried out nationwide.
The organisation also called for investment in affordable, reusable, and locally produced alternatives to prevent the country from replacing styrofoam with other equally harmful disposable products.
Additionally, it appealed to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to begin public education campaigns immediately rather than waiting until the ban takes effect.
AERC Ghana further encouraged schools, churches, supermarkets, restaurants, event organisers, and companies to begin phasing out styrofoam use voluntarily ahead of the deadline.
The group said the transition should be seen as an opportunity to promote cleaner business practices, support local innovation, strengthen waste reduction systems, and protect communities from the long-term effects of plastic pollution.
AERC Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to supporting policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics while advocating what it described as a “just transition” that protects vulnerable groups and small businesses.
The EPA recently announced that Ghana would enforce a nationwide ban on styrofoam and takeaway packs beginning January 2027 as part of broader efforts to tackle plastic waste and improve environmental sanitation.
