The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is stepping up public education on Ghana’s impending ban on polystyrene foam products, taking its campaign to five northern regions as the country prepares for the restrictions to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The week-long campaign, running from October 26 to November 1, 2026, will cover the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah and North East regions, targeting consumers, manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders affected by the ban.
The campaign forms part of efforts to raise awareness about the environmental and health concerns associated with polystyrene foam products and encourage the adoption of more sustainable alternatives before the deadline.
As part of the northern campaign, the EPA will organise community durbars in Bolgatanga, Nalerigu, Damongo, Wa and other communities. The activities will also include media engagements, stakeholder consultations, a schools quiz and a university debate.
The campaign will culminate in a major stakeholder engagement in Tamale on October 29, bringing together representatives from all five northern regions.
The EPA has organised its nationwide education campaign across three zones: the southern belt, centred on Accra; the middle belt, centred on Kumasi; and the northern belt, centred on Tamale. Campaign activities in Accra and Kumasi were held in July and August, respectively.
Leading the northern campaign is the EPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, alongside other officials who will engage communities and businesses on the impending restrictions.
Professor Browne Klutse said the Authority was intensifying its education efforts to give consumers and businesses enough time to prepare for the change and make the necessary adjustments before the ban takes effect.
She said the campaign was being undertaken in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive, adding that the EPA was committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the restrictions.
“The EPA is taking its time to create public awareness on the ban to prepare consumers, manufacturers and distributors for what is coming, effective 1 January 2027, so they can prepare and make the right lifestyle adjustments,” she said.
She stressed that the public would be expected to comply when the deadline arrived.
“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.
The Authority has also directed its regional, area and district offices to intensify public education as the implementation date approaches.
With just over two months to the deadline, the EPA’s campaign is aimed at ensuring that households and businesses understand the restrictions, identify suitable alternatives and prepare for the transition away from polystyrene foam products.
