The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has led a high-level delegation to the Manhyia Palace to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and seek his royal blessings ahead of a two-day public education campaign on polystyrene foam (styrofoam) products in the Ashanti Region.

The courtesy visit was aimed at briefing the Asantehene on the EPA’s nationwide sensitisation drive ahead of the upcoming ban on styrofoam products and securing traditional support to ensure high compliance across markets and commercial hubs in the region.

Speaking to the media after the visit to the Manhyia Palace, Prof. Klutse expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his warm reception and unconditional endorsement of the EPA’s environmental protection mandate.

“It was very necessary for us to visit the Asantehene to seek his permission and royal blessings before rolling out this intensive awareness campaign. Otumfuo understands the critical importance of environmental sustainability and fully supports our work. He encouraged us to stay committed to safeguarding public health and pledged his full support for the exercise,” the CEO said.

Prof. Klutse explained that the nationwide sensitisation exercise is designed to prepare traders, food vendors, manufacturers and the general public ahead of the official nationwide ban on styrofoam products, which takes effect on January 1, 2027.

She highlighted that while earlier awareness campaigns were launched in Accra at major trading centres such as Makola, extending the education campaign to the Ashanti Region was vital due to its status as Ghana’s central commercial hub.

Detailing the severe environmental and health hazards posed by expanded polystyrene foam, the EPA boss noted that the material is non-biodegradable and causes long-term ecological damage.

“Styrofoam does not decompose when disposed of in the environment or mixed with soil. It clogs drains and waterways, which directly contributes to persistent urban flooding. Furthermore, when people burn styrofoam waste, it releases toxic fumes into the air, causing severe air pollution and emitting greenhouse gases that worsen climate change,” she said.

She added that Ghana is aligning with global environmental best practices, following similar bans implemented in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and several Western nations.

To ensure a smooth transition, Prof. Klutse revealed that sustainable, biodegradable alternatives manufactured from agricultural by-products such as coconut husk fibres and sugarcane bagasse are already available on the Ghanaian market.

“Some local factories have already begun manufacturing these eco-friendly packaging alternatives. While they are currently slightly more expensive, we expect prices to drop significantly as consumer demand increases and production scales up,” Prof. Klutse said.

Addressing concerns raised by commercial investors and manufacturers currently producing styrofoam packaging, Prof. Klutse assured them that the EPA has structured engagement plans to hold discussions with them during the transition period.

She emphasised that the authority is actively working with major investors to help them retool their factories to manufacture biodegradable alternatives, ensuring they do not suffer financial losses while protecting the environment.

Welcoming the EPA delegation, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, commended Prof. Klutse and her team for their proactive approach to environmental governance and public health education.

The Asantehene underscored the indispensable role of the EPA in safeguarding the lives of Ghanaians, warning that without strict environmental regulations and enforcement, public safety and health would be gravely endangered.

He encouraged the EPA leadership to sustain its public engagements and remain steadfast in enforcing environmental laws across the country.