Environment, Science and Technology Minister-designate Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has backed 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.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the environmental risks posed by the widespread use and disposal of polystyrene products could not be overlooked, stressing the need for firm measures 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 MP said maintaining the proposed deadline would form part of efforts to address Ghana’s growing waste management challenges, while encouraging changes in public behaviour around the use of disposable packaging.
She pointed to public education being undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ahead of the ban, citing a recent awareness campaign in Kumasi as evidence of preparations towards its implementation.
“I believe that the EPA, just a couple of days ago, was actually in Kumasi raising awareness on the impending ban on styrofoam,” she said.
“I believe that the dangers around the use of polystyrene cannot be glossed over, and it has to be done.”
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said Ghana’s dependence on disposable packaging also reflected a broader behavioural shift in how people consumed and purchased 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,” she said.
She said reversing such practices would require sustained efforts to change public behaviour.
“Obviously, behaviour change is something that can take time, but it can be incentivised, or you can put penalties in place,” she said.
According to the nominee, the effectiveness of the ban would ultimately depend on enforcement and the seriousness with which authorities implement it.
“It comes down to how we enforce the ban and the seriousness with which we seek to address this,” she said.
“I stand by the fact that the ban timeline has to be maintained.”
Her comments come as the EPA prepares for the January 1, 2027 implementation date for the polystyrene ban, with public education forming part of efforts to prepare businesses and consumers for the change.
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