Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has pledged to support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in enforcing the January 1, 2027 deadline for the ban on polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs.
Speaking at the Appointments Committee of Parliament on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during her vetting, the Korle Klottey MP said Ghana could no longer overlook the environmental consequences associated with the widespread use and disposal of polystyrene products.
The EPA has already scheduled January 1, 2027, for the ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam products, as part of efforts to tackle plastic pollution and improve waste management.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings said the success of the policy would, however, depend largely on enforcement and a change in public behaviour.
“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.”
She said Ghana’s changing consumption habits had contributed to the growing reliance on disposable packaging, recalling a time when people carried their own containers when buying food.
“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.”
According to her, while changing consumer behaviour may take time, the government could use incentives and penalties to encourage compliance with the ban.
“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.”
The proposed ban is part of broader measures to address Ghana’s persistent waste management and plastic pollution challenges.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings was nominated for the Environment, Science and Technology portfolio following the death of the substantive minister, Dr. Murtala Mohammed, and appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting on Thursday.
