Ghana to confiscate unsold polystyrene foam packaging from 1 January 2027

Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority has warned traders, manufacturers and food vendors that unsold expanded polystyrene foam products will be confiscated and destroyed once the country's nationwide ban on the material takes effect on 1 January 2027. The ban covers production, importation, distribution, sale and use of foam takeaway packs, cups and plates for commercial and domestic purposes, with an exemption for medical, scientific and laboratory products.

Why this mattersA full market ban forces foodservice packaging suppliers and converters in Ghana to switch to reusable or alternative materials within about two months.

• Ghana's EPS foam ban takes effect on 1 January 2027.
• EPA chief executive Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse announced enforcement at a campaign launch in Damongo, Savannah Region.
• Unsold Styrofoam stock will be confiscated and destroyed after the deadline.
• The ban covers production, importation, distribution, sale and use for commercial and domestic purposes.
• Products for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic use are exempt, subject to regulatory control.
• The World Bank estimates Ghana generates over 3,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, with less than half collected and about 9.5 per cent recycled.

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