EPA launches Styrofoam ban education campaign in five northern regions

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has initiated an intensive public education campaign across five northern regions to prepare stakeholders for the impending ban on polystyrene foam products. Starting October 26, 2026, the week-long exercise targets consumers, manufacturers, and distributors in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah, and North East regions. The ban is scheduled to take full effect on January 1, 2027, as part of a national effort to reduce plastic pollution and protect public health.

Led by the EPA Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the initiative features a variety of engagement activities designed to reach a broad audience. In Tamale, the campaign includes an inter-school environmental quiz and a high-profile debate between students from the University for Development Studies (UDS) and Bagabaga College of Education. These educational events are intended to foster awareness and encourage responsible consumption among the youth while highlighting the specific environmental and health risks associated with Styrofoam use.

The campaign aims to facilitate a smooth transition by promoting sustainable alternatives to polystyrene foam, which is widely used in the food and beverage industry but remains non-biodegradable. During mini-durbars and community meetings, EPA officials are emphasizing the urgency of the transition. By engaging with local industries and the public now, the authority seeks to ensure that businesses have sufficient time to adjust their supply chains and manufacturing processes before the 2027 deadline.

Professor Klutse stressed that the extensive notice period and the current educational push are intended to eliminate any excuses for non-compliance once the ban is enforced. The EPA remains committed to ensuring that no stakeholder is caught unaware by the new regulations. As the campaign continues through November 1, the authority expects to deepen environmental consciousness across northern Ghana, setting the stage for a nationwide shift toward more eco-friendly packaging solutions.