EPA reaffirms commitment to Styrofoam ban, urges industry to embrace Green Innovation

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a nationwide ban on single-use styrofoam food packaging, commonly known as “takeaway” containers, from January 1, 2027.

The environmental regulator is encouraging businesses to view the policy not as a challenge but as an opportunity to drive innovation, create jobs, and adopt environmentally sustainable practices.

Speaking at the Environmental Sustainability Summit (ESS 2026) organised by the Business and Financial Times (B&FT), EPA Senior Programmes Officer, Hope Kotoka Ahiabu, said the ban would help address growing environmental concerns while opening new avenues for green entrepreneurship.

According to him, single-use styrofoam packaging remains a major contributor to urban litter, blocked drainage systems, flooding, and coastal pollution across the country.

“This creates an opportunity for innovative green entrepreneurship and job creation,” Mr. Ahiabu stated.

He noted that the EPA is actively promoting alternative packaging solutions, including paper-based products, biodegradable materials, and traditional food-wrapping methods such as leaves.

“Some people are using paper bags and biodegradable materials, while others are returning to the use of leaves for packaging food. These are environmentally friendly options that we should encourage,” he said.

The ban forms part of the EPA’s broader strategy to tackle plastic pollution and reduce environmental degradation, particularly in marine ecosystems.

Mr. Ahiabu disclosed that the Authority has intensified stakeholder engagements to prepare businesses and consumers for the transition.

“We are working closely with industry players to help them understand the way forward and to see this transition as an opportunity to adopt more environmentally responsible practices,” he explained.

Beyond the styrofoam ban, the EPA is strengthening its environmental oversight across the country. Mr. Ahiabu revealed that the Authority has established 50 district offices to improve accessibility and enhance monitoring and compliance efforts.

He also highlighted the introduction of an Integrated Permit Management System, which has streamlined permit applications, reduced processing times, and improved transparency and accountability in environmental permit administration.

According to him, the digital platform has significantly enhanced the efficiency and accessibility of EPA services nationwide.

The Authority is also intensifying monitoring activities in areas such as industrial effluent discharge, hazardous chemicals management, electronic waste disposal, and healthcare waste treatment. Mr. Ahiabu further urged the public to comply with regulations banning open burning, citing its harmful impact on the environment and public health.

Addressing the issue of water pollution caused by illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, he stressed that the fight requires collective action.

“It is not a one-man effort. We need collaboration from all stakeholders. If we come together as a nation and commit to protecting our environment, we can overcome the challenge,” he said.

Also speaking at the summit, Chief Communications Officer of the Jospong Group, Sophia Kudjodzi, called on stakeholders to move beyond discussions and focus on implementing practical climate solutions.

“Let’s move from paper to projects and practical solutions,” she urged.

Ms. Kudjodzi noted that the summit’s theme, ‘Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,’ aligns closely with the work of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group.

She explained that between 60 and 70 per cent of the group’s operations are dedicated to addressing climate-related challenges through waste collection, processing, transfer, recycling, and landfill management.

While emphasising the company’s commercial objectives, she noted that its operations are equally driven by a commitment to improving lives and protecting the environment.

“We are a private sector organisation and we believe in profitability, but we also believe in people. That is why our mission remains focused on improving the lives of communities while delivering sustainable solutions,” she said.

The summit brought together policymakers, environmental experts, businesses, and other stakeholders to discuss practical approaches to climate action, sustainability, and environmental protection in Ghana.

Prince Antwi

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