The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is intensifying its nationwide public education campaign on Ghana’s impending ban on polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam, 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. It will target consumers, manufacturers, distributors and other stakeholders to prepare them for the upcoming restrictions.

The EPA announced the ban as part of efforts to address the environmental and adverse health impacts associated with polystyrene foam products while promoting more sustainable alternatives.

The nationwide awareness campaign is intended to ensure that the public and industry players are adequately informed and prepared for the transition.

The exercise 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 campaigns in Accra and Kumasi were held in July and August, respectively, while the northern belt campaign is scheduled for October 29, 2026, in Tamale. The event will bring together stakeholders from all five northern regions for a major public awareness programme.

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

In a press release, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the ban in line with the directive of President John Dramani Mahama.

She explained that the extensive public education campaign was designed to give consumers, manufacturers and distributors sufficient notice to prepare for the transition and adopt suitable alternatives.

“The EPA is taking its time to create public awareness of 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.”

She further warned that the Authority would not accept a lack of awareness as an excuse for non-compliance when the ban takes effect.

“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 Tamale event will feature an inter-school environmental quiz involving five second-cycle institutions: 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 assess students’ knowledge of environmental issues, the health risks associated with polystyrene foam products, their environmental impact, the benefits of the ban and the lifestyle changes required before and after its implementation.

The initiative is expected to strengthen 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 on the motion:

“BEYOND THE BAN: Can Ghana Turn the Polystyrene Foam Products Phase-Out into 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 two institutions to examine the implications of the ban and discuss practical alternatives to polystyrene foam products.

Both institutions are also expected to showcase innovative alternative products they have developed to help address potential supply gaps following the implementation of 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 to a wider 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. Its regional, area and district offices have been directed to step up public education as the implementation date draws closer.

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

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