Styrofoam 'takeaway packs' to be banned January 1, 2027

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has formally announced a comprehensive ban on all polystyrene foam products, popularly known as styrofoam or “takeaway packs,” effective 1st January 2027.

The directive, issued in a statement on May 25, 2026, follows a policy announcement made by President John Dramani Mahama on 5th June 2025 during the World Environment Day celebration, in which he declared the government’s intention to ban the importation, production, and use of styrofoam products across Ghana.

“The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) wishes to inform the general public, manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers, food vendors, hospitality operators, institutions, and all relevant stakeholders that the ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products, popularly known as ‘Styrofoam’ or ‘Takeaway Packs,’ in Ghana shall become effective on 1st January 2027,” the statement read.

The ban covers all forms of expanded polystyrene foam products used for human and commercial activities, including food packaging containers and takeaway packs, disposable cups and plates, foam packs used by restaurants, chop bars and food vendors, ceiling and insulation materials, foam mattresses and bedding materials, and packaging and cushioning materials.

“The prohibition shall, however, exclude EPS products specifically intended for medical, scientific, laboratory, and diagnostic purposes, subject to applicable regulations,” the statement added.

The EPA has set an 18-month transition window between now and the January 2027 enforcement date, during which it will undertake nationwide stakeholder engagement, public education, and technical consultations.

“The Authority will, over the transition period leading to 1st January 2027, undertake nationwide stakeholder engagement, public education, and technical consultations, while simultaneously strengthening compliance monitoring, regulatory inspections, and enforcement preparedness to ensure full adherence to this directive,” the statement read.

To ensure there are no loopholes at the borders or in distribution chains, the EPA says it will collaborate with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, port authorities, customs officials, and industry regulators for nationwide enforcement.

The authority is urging all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users of polystyrene products to begin transitioning to alternative materials and is calling on the general public to support the measure by adopting environmentally friendly packaging practices.

See the statement below:

EPA wishes to inform the general public and all relevant stakeholders that the ban on production, importation, distribution, sale, and use of polystyrene foam products, popularly known as "Styrofoam" or "Takeaway Packs," in Ghana shall become effective 1st January 2027‼️‼️‼️ pic.twitter.com/D3Ephuelt3

— Environmental Protection Authority (@EPA_Ghana) May 25, 2026