EPA takes Styrofoam ban campaign to five northern regions ahead of January 1, 2027 deadline

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is intensifying its nationwide public education campaign on Ghana’s impending ban on polystyrene foam products, taking the campaign to five northern regions as the January 1, 2027, implementation deadline approaches.

The week-long campaign, scheduled for Monday, October 26, to Sunday, November 1, 2026, will cover the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah and North East regions, targeting consumers, manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders ahead of the ban.

The EPA announced the ban on polystyrene foam products as part of efforts to address their environmental and adverse health impact and promote more sustainable alternatives. The nationwide awareness campaign is designed to prepare the public and industry players for the transition.

The campaign has been organised across three geographical zones; the southern belt, centred on Accra; the middle belt, centred on Kumasi; and the northern belt, centred on Tamale.

The Accra and Kumasi campaigns were held in July and August respectfully, with the Tamale campaign scheduled for October 29, 2026, bringing together stakeholders from all five northern regions for a major public awareness event.

Led by the EPA's Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the delegation will hold mini-durbars in Bolgatanga, Nalerigu, Damongo Wa among other communities thought the week before culminating the northern belt campaign in Tamale.

The Tamale event will feature an inter-school environmental quiz involving five second-cycle institutions namely the Ghana Senior High School, St. Charles Minor Seminary, Tamale Islamic Science Senior High School, Kalpohin Senior High School and Tamale Senior High School.

The competition will test students' knowledge of environmental issues, the health dangers associated with polystyrene foam products, their impact on the environment, the benefits of the ban and the lifestyle changes required before and after its implementation.

The initiative is expected to deepen environmental awareness among young people and encourage them to become advocates for responsible consumption and environmental protection.

The campaign will also feature a debate between the University for Development Studies (UDS) and Bagabaga College of Education under the motion;BEYOND THE BAN: Can Ghana Turn the Polystyrene Foam Products Phase-Out into a Public Health, Environmental and Economic Benefits?

The UDS team will comprise Angela Ansah as principal speaker, Adu Michel Chibaley as supporting speaker, and Shakiratu Cheltima Fuseini as summarising speaker.

Bagabaga College of Education will be represented by Joseph Maadi Sagulo as principal speaker, Mbowura Clement Samira as supporting speaker, and Fuseini Abdul-Hakeem Tunteiya as summarising speaker.

The debate will provide a platform for the tertiary institutions to examine the implications of the ban and explore practical alternatives to polystyrene foam products.

Both institutions are also expected to showcase innovative alternative products they have developed to help bridge the supply gap that could emerge following the ban.

The event is expected to attract traditional authorities, school heads, students and other stakeholders. It will also be broadcast live across major television channels to extend its reach beyond the immediate audience.

Ahead of the main event, public awareness floats will be held in the five regional capitals to mobilise residents and draw attention to the impending ban.

The EPA will also intensify media engagements and stakeholder consultations throughout the week, while its regional, area and district offices have been directed to step up public education as the implementation date draws closer.

Speaking in an interview, EPA Chief Executive Officer Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse reaffirmed the Authority's commitment to ensuring effective implementation of the ban in accordance with the directive of President John Dramani Mahama.

She said the extensive public education campaign was intended to give consumers, manufacturers and distributors sufficient notice to prepare for the transition and adopt appropriate alternatives.

“The EPA is taking its time to create public awareness on the ban to prepare consumers, manufacturers and distributors for what is coming, effective January 1 2027, so they can prepare and make the right lifestyle adjustments."

“No one should have the excuse that they were not aware of this ban. There will be no excuses by January 2027. The EPA is fully ready to carry out His Excellency's orders to root this out from our country.”she added.

Other EPA officials are also on the ground leading various campaign teams, engaging communities and consulting relevant stakeholders on the impending restrictions.

With the January 1, 2027, deadline approaching, the Authority says it is stepping up public education to ensure that consumers and businesses understand the ban, prepare for the transition and embrace environmentally sustainable alternatives.