President John Mahama has announced that the government will soon introduce a directive to stop the importation and production of Styrofoam to protect Ghana’s environment.
Speaking during World Environment Day celebrations at Kwabenya in Accra, the President revealed plans to ban the use of styrofoam, which is commonly used for takeaway food packaging, due to its harmful effects on the environment.
“One of the most pernicious polluters is Styrofoam plastic,” he stated. “When you buy your food and it is placed in that white plastic container, and then you finish eating and simply throw it away, that contributes significantly to pollution. Therefore, we’re going to ban the importation of Styrofoam plastics. We must transition to using paper packaging or aluminium foil for food packaging.”
He emphasised that manufacturers and importers of Styrofoam products should begin preparing for this change.
“With the Ministry of Environment, we will soon implement a ban on the importation and production of Styrofoam in Ghana. Our food packaging will be made from paper and aluminium materials,” he confirmed.
