Ban on ‘takeaway’ packs must be strictly enforced – Zanetor
Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain the January 1, 2027 deadline for the ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs.
Zanetor said the environmental dangers associated with the widespread use and disposal of polystyrene products are too significant to be overlooked, stressing the need for decisive action to reduce their impact.
She made the remarks on Thursday, August 27, 2026, when she appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for her vetting as Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology.
The Korle Klottey Member of Parliament said the proposed ban was necessary as part of broader efforts to address Ghana’s growing waste management challenges and promote more environmentally responsible practices.
She noted that the EPA had recently embarked on public education activities ahead of the implementation of the ban, citing an awareness campaign in Kumasi as an indication of preparations towards the policy.
“I believe that the EPA, just a couple of days ago, was actually in Kumasi raising awareness on the impending ban on styrofoam. I believe that the dangers around the use of polystyrene cannot be glossed over, and it has to be done.
“Not to belittle the issue, but I remember as children, when you wanted to go for Auntie Naa’s rice, you took your own pot to go and buy the rice, and I am not sure at which point putting plastic within plastic became the norm, and I think it comes down to a change in behaviour.
“Obviously, behaviour change is something that can take time, but it can be incentivised, or you can put penalties in place. It comes down to how we enforce the ban and the seriousness with which we seek to address this. I stand by the fact that the ban timeline has to be maintained.”
