No private company behind styrofoam ban – EPA

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has clarified that the decision to ban expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) food containers is a presidential-led policy aimed at protecting public health and the environment.

The Authority has also assured Ghanaians that viable and eco-friendly alternatives to styrofoam are already widely available on the Ghanaian market.

Addressing the media following market engagements at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, said the ban on styrofoam represents the first phase of a broader national strategy to eliminate non-biodegradable single-use plastics.

She dismissed claims that the policy was designed to favour specific commercial entities, explaining that the decision was based on scientific evidence showing that styrofoam is non-biodegradable and poses risks to marine and human life.

According to her, styrofoam also contributes significantly to the blockage of urban drainage systems, worsening flooding in cities.

“There is no private company behind this decision. This policy was announced by the President of the Republic because styrofoam is harmful to our health and the environment. It does not decompose,” she said.

Eco-friendly alternatives available

The EPA said recent monitoring exercises at the Kejetia and Makola markets showed that traders who currently sell styrofoam packaging are already stocking more sustainable alternatives.

Prof. Browne Klutse listed several eco-friendly packaging options available on the Ghanaian market, including paper-based packaging, recycled aluminium foil and containers made from agricultural by-products.

These include packaging produced from bamboo, rice husks and coconut fibres, as well as recyclable plastic containers.

She said the availability of these alternatives should make the transition away from styrofoam easier for food vendors, caterers and consumers.

“Before takeaway boxes became popular, Ghanaians were comfortably buying waakye, kenkey and other local foods. The alternatives are already here in our markets. Vendors selling styrofoam are already selling these eco-friendly options,” she said.

Other African countries

Citing experiences from other African countries, the EPA CEO said several nations have successfully introduced restrictions or bans on single-use plastics without significantly affecting local commerce and food vending businesses.

“In Nigeria, where styrofoam was recently banned, food vendors and businesses are still thriving. Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania have all successfully phased out single-use plastics,” she said.

“Ghana is taking the first step with styrofoam, and I am confident we will succeed before moving to the next phase of single-use plastics.”

The EPA has therefore urged market women, corporate food chains, food vendors and the general public to begin adopting eco-friendly alternatives ahead of full enforcement of the ban.

The Authority stressed that protecting public health, reducing plastic pollution and preventing urban flooding require a collective transition away from non-biodegradable single-use plastics.