{
  "id": 4477649,
  "title": "“Styrofoam ban is first phase of single-use plastics crackdown” – EPA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/30/styrofoam-ban-is-first-phase-of-single-use-plastics-crackdown-epa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-30T18:04:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/styrofoam-ban-is-first-phase-of-single-use-plastics-crackdown-epa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in Ghana has announced the ban on expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) food containers as the initial step in a nationwide initiative to phase out non-biodegradable single-use plastics. This decision, a presidential directive, was driven by scientific evidence highlighting the environmental and public health risks associated with styrofoam.\n\nProfessor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, emphasized that styrofoam is non-biodegradable, contributes significantly to the blockage of drains, and poses risks to human and marine life. Dismissing claims of commercial interests behind the ban, she affirmed that the decision was solely based on the need to protect public health and the environment.\n\nThe EPA's monitoring at major markets like Kejetia and Makola revealed that traders selling styrofoam packaging were already stocking alternative materials such as paper-based packaging, recycled aluminium foil, recyclable plastic containers, and packaging made from agricultural by-products like bamboo, rice husks, and coconut fibres. Prof. Klutse stressed that these eco-friendly alternatives were already available in the markets, dispelling concerns about disruptions to the food vending and business sectors.\n\nGhana's approach is modeled after successful initiatives in Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania, which have restricted or phased out single-use plastics. Prof. Klutse urged market women, food vendors, caterers, corporate food chains, and consumers to transition to these alternatives before the full enforcement of the ban. She highlighted the necessity of a collective effort to protect public health, safeguard the environment, and reduce plastic waste and urban flooding.\n\nThe Deputy CEO of the EPA, responsible for Operations, Professor Michael Ayamga-Adongo, announced that the nationwide ban on styrofoam food packaging would commence on January 1, 2027. He cautioned against placing new orders for styrofoam products and warned that imports of such products after the deadline would be confiscated, with legal action taken against offenders. The EPA had conducted extensive sensitisation to allow businesses sufficient time to adjust to the policy, urging importers and traders to use the remaining period to transition to environmentally friendly alternatives.",
  "summary": "The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has described the ban on expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) food containers as the first phase of a broader national strategy to eliminate non-biodegradable single-use plastics in Ghana.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ghana bans expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) food containers",
    "Initiative aims to phase out non-biodegradable single-use plastics",
    "Ban set to start January 1, 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}