Ghana to Ban Styrofoam Takeaway Packs from January 2027 Over Pollution and Flooding Concerns

Beginning January 1, 2027, Ghana will officially ban the production, importation, sale, distribution, and use of Styrofoam takeaway packs and other expanded polystyrene (EPS) products as part of efforts to tackle plastic pollution and environmental degradation.

The move by the Environmental Protection Agency is considered one of Ghana’s most significant environmental policy decisions in recent years.

Styrofoam products are widely used across Ghana by restaurants, chop bars, food vendors, caterers, and event organisers because they are cheap, lightweight, and convenient for packaging food.

However, environmental experts say the products contribute heavily to pollution because they are non-biodegradable and can remain in the environment for hundreds of years.

Authorities say the lightweight foam materials frequently end up in gutters, drains, rivers, and beaches, worsening flooding in major cities such as Accra and Kumasi during heavy rains.

The EPA also cited concerns about the difficulty of recycling Styrofoam, noting that most used foam containers are contaminated with food waste and often end up in dumpsites or are burned openly.

Health experts have additionally warned that burning Styrofoam releases toxic chemicals that may affect air quality and public health.

Under the planned policy, the ban will cover:

Food takeaway packs

Disposable foam cups and plates

Foam packaging materials

Foam insulation products

Foam mattresses and bedding materials

Medical and scientific EPS products will, however, be exempted under regulatory supervision.

The period leading to January 2027 is expected to focus on public education, stakeholder consultations, and encouraging businesses to adopt biodegradable, reusable, paper-based, or recyclable alternatives.