Nana Ama Browne Klutse urges return to plantain leaves for food packaging

Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has called on Ghanaians to return to the use of traditional plantain leaves for food packaging. Speaking during a stakeholder engagement in Damongo, the CEO advocated for the use of natural, biodegradable materials as a sustainable alternative to plastic-based products. This initiative is part of the groundwork being laid ahead of the national ban on Styrofoam, which is set to come into effect on January 1, 2027.

The EPA is encouraging citizens and businesses to begin adopting these eco-friendly alternatives immediately to ensure a smooth transition before the deadline. During the engagement, Prof. Klutse highlighted the significant health and environmental risks associated with Styrofoam use, noting that early adoption of traditional methods would reduce the shock of the upcoming policy enforcement. Local leaders and representatives from various institutions in Damongo voiced their support for the ban, pledging to assist in sensitizing their communities to the benefits of more sustainable packaging options.

As the 2027 deadline approaches, the EPA plans to intensify public education campaigns across the country to prepare all regions for the shift. The move back to plantain leaves is presented not just as a cultural return, but as a strategic environmental necessity to combat plastic pollution. By fostering a sense of collective responsibility, the authority aims to ensure that both consumers and vendors are fully equipped to abandon Styrofoam in favor of safer, locally available alternatives.