Mahama: Styrofoam Plastics to Be Banned in Ghana Soon
President says harmful packaging contributes heavily to pollution and will soon be outlawed
- Styrofoam ban announced to curb plastic pollution in Ghana
- Importation and local production to be outlawed soon
- Eco-friendly alternatives like paper and foil encouraged
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to outlaw the import and production of Styrofoam in Ghana, highlighting the material’s damaging environmental impact—especially in food packaging.
The announcement came on Thursday, June 5, during the launch of the 2025 national tree planting initiative, a program focused on restoring forest cover and combating climate change.
President Mahama labeled Styrofoam as a major environmental pollutant, noting its common use in food service and the tendency for it to be carelessly discarded. He emphasized the need to shift toward more eco-friendly alternatives such as paper and aluminum packaging.
He cautioned manufacturers and importers to prepare for the upcoming policy change, as the Ministry of Environment is set to take formal steps toward enforcing a nationwide ban.
The Styrofoam ban is part of a broader national push to encourage sustainable practices and drastically cut down on plastic waste.
“We all know those white containers used to serve food—once you’re done, they’re thrown away and pollute our surroundings,” Mahama said. “That’s why we’re moving to ban Styrofoam and promote cleaner alternatives.”
