ELS: MBN360 NEWS
Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for the strict enforcement of the ban on Styrofoam takeaway packs, saying the January 1, 2027 deadline must be maintained.
Dr Zanetor made the call when she appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for her vetting.
She said the environmental dangers posed by the widespread use and poor disposal of polystyrene products, commonly known as Styrofoam, could no longer be ignored.
According to her, the ban should cover the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of Styrofoam products.
Dr Zanetor said effective enforcement would require both public education and penalties for people who violate the ban.
“I believe that the dangers around the use of polystyrene cannot be glossed over, and it has to be done,” she said.
Read also:
- Minority Boycotts Vetting of Three Supreme Court Nominees
- Appointments Committee recommends three Supreme Court nominees for approval
- 48-Hour Rule: Suspects can sue Police over prolonged detention – Justice Amoako Asante
- Do Not Use Majority Numbers To Stampede Process — Minority Leader
- Prez Mahama Cuts Sod for Flagship Airport Project
She noted that changing public behaviour could take time but said the government could encourage compliance through incentives and sanctions.
The Korle Klottey MP also recalled that, in the past, people often carried their own containers when buying food, suggesting that Ghana could return to more sustainable practices.
She urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain its public education campaign ahead of the ban, citing a recent awareness campaign in Kumasi.
Dr Zanetor stressed that the success of the policy would ultimately depend on how seriously the authorities enforce it.
“I stand by the fact that the ban timeline has to be maintained,” she said.
Her call comes as the EPA intensifies efforts nationwide to raise awareness about the dangers of using Styrofoam and to implement the President’s directive to ban its use.
