President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to ban the importation and production of Styrofoam in Ghana, citing its significant contribution to environmental pollution.
The announcement was made on Thursday, June 5, during the launch of the 2025 national tree planting exercise, an initiative aimed at restoring the country’s forest cover and mitigating the impact of climate change.
Describing Styrofoam as one of the most harmful pollutants, particularly due to its widespread use in food packaging, the President stressed the urgent need for alternative materials.
He added that manufacturers and importers of Styrofoam should prepare for the impending policy change, as the Ministry of Environment will soon take steps to formally ban both the import and local production of the material.
The proposed ban forms part of broader government efforts to promote sustainable environmental practices and reduce plastic waste across the country.
“One of the most polluters is Styrofoam plastics, where you go and buy your food, and they put it in that whitish something, and you finish eating, you just dump it. That is one of the biggest polluters. And so, we’re going to ban the importation of Styrofoam plastics.
“We have to use paper packaging or aluminium foil for our food. I’m informing the manufacturers and importers of Styrofoam that the Ministry of Environment, soon we are going to ban the importation of Styrofoam and production of Styrofoam in Ghana,” he said.
He added that a petition was filed with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and a report submitted to the Office of the Special Prosecutor, given the financial loss to the state.
“The action was tantamount to the loss of funds and abuse of public trust,” he said, while emphasising that GIIF is now working to ensure tighter investment governance structures.
