EPA links styrofoam ban to efforts to tackle Ghana’s flooding crisis

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says Ghana’s planned ban on styrofoam and the phased elimination of single-use plastics are key measures in addressing the country’s growing flooding challenges.

EPA Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Brown Klutse, said although heavy rainfall cannot be prevented, the devastating impact of floods can be significantly reduced through improved waste management, proper drainage maintenance and the protection of natural waterways.

She made the remarks during a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister as parts of the country, particularly Accra, continue to grapple with severe flooding that has resulted in deaths, displacement and extensive property damage.

Professor Brown Klutse identified three major contributors to the flooding situation: intense rainfall, construction on waterways and the indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste.

She explained that developments on wetlands and natural watercourses are obstructing the free flow of water, while discarded plastics—especially styrofoam food containers—are clogging drains and rivers.

According to her, although heavy rainfall is a natural occurrence, blocked drainage systems are worsening the impact of floods because plastics and styrofoam prevent stormwater from flowing freely into the sea.

She stressed that while the country cannot control rainfall, it can minimise flood risks by improving waste disposal practices and ensuring drains and gutters remain clear.

The EPA, she said, remains committed to enforcing the planned styrofoam ban, which will be followed by broader measures to phase out single-use plastics.

Professor Brown Klutse also highlighted the Authority’s efforts to restore degraded rivers and wetlands, noting that many water bodies have been affected by siltation, illegal activities and encroachment.

She said the EPA intends to adopt a broader engineering approach to restore the natural flow of rivers and protect wetlands, which play a vital role in absorbing excess water during periods of heavy rainfall.

Preserving wetlands, she added, is essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems and reducing the risk of flooding.

The EPA Chief Executive further disclosed that the Authority has tested an ionic nano-copper water treatment technology designed to help clean polluted water bodies. However, she noted that the technology’s effectiveness is limited when river channels are blocked by silt and accumulated waste.

She explained that restoring the natural flow of rivers would enable the technology to remove heavy metals, reduce turbidity and support the Ghana Water Company in producing cleaner water.

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, called for greater collaboration among regions in managing shared river systems. He noted that rivers such as the Pra pass through several regions, warning that environmental degradation upstream can undermine conservation efforts downstream.

Prince Antwi

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