President John Dramani Mahama has officially announced a nationwide ban on the importation, production, and use of Styrofoam takeaway containers in Ghana. The declaration was made during the launch of the One Tree Per Child Initiative at Kwabenya Community Senior High School in Accra, as part of the country鈥檚 World Environment Day celebrations.
Addressing students, environmental advocates, and government officials, President Mahama described Styrofoam as one of the most harmful pollutants affecting Ghana鈥檚 environment today. He stressed the need for immediate action to reduce its widespread usage, especially in urban centers like Accra where Styrofoam waste clogs drainage systems, contributes to flooding, and causes lasting environmental damage.
鈥淥ne of the most pernicious polluters is Styrofoam plastic,鈥� the president said. 鈥淲hen you buy food and it鈥檚 packaged in that white plastic material, after eating, it鈥檚 just dumped. It doesn鈥檛 degrade, and it accumulates rapidly. This is one of the major sources of pollution in our cities, and we are going to ban its importation and production in Ghana.鈥�
President Mahama emphasized that the government, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, will work closely with manufacturers and importers to ensure the smooth implementation of the ban. He stated that the country would adopt more environmentally sustainable food packaging options, including paper and aluminum containers, which are biodegradable and recyclable.
Styrofoam, also known as expanded polystyrene, is a non-biodegradable material that can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Its lightweight and brittle nature make it especially prone to breaking into smaller particles, often contaminating soil and water sources and endangering wildlife.
In addition to the Styrofoam ban, President Mahama reaffirmed his government鈥檚 commitment to combating other forms of environmental degradation. He called attention to illegal mining operations and the widespread destruction of forests, warning that these practices threaten the country鈥檚 natural resources and the health of future generations.
鈥淥ur fight is not just against plastic,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e are also fighting against illegal mining, deforestation, and the reckless pollution of our rivers and forests. We must take responsibility today so that our younger siblings, our children, and those yet to be born can inherit a cleaner, healthier Ghana.鈥�
The One Tree Per Child Initiative, launched during the event, encourages every student to plant and care for at least one tree, promoting environmental awareness and a culture of responsibility from a young age. President Mahama described the program as a long-term investment in the country鈥檚 environmental future.
With this new policy direction, Ghana joins a growing number of nations taking decisive steps to phase out harmful plastics in favor of more sustainable practices. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in the country鈥檚 environmental journey and signals a strong commitment to building a greener, more resilient future.
