Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has challenged Ghanaian scientists to develop affordable, environmentally friendly alternatives to Styrofoam takeaway containers ahead of the nationwide ban scheduled for January 1, 2027.
Speaking at the National Scientific Conference of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on Wednesday, October 14, Dr Agyeman-Rawlings encouraged researchers to explore plant-based materials, including cassava and hemp, that could replace conventional plastic packaging.
She said the upcoming ban should be viewed as the beginning of a broader effort to reduce plastic pollution and change how Ghanaians produce, package and dispose of everyday products.
“What are the alternatives to plastics that we can use? Plant-based, all right, whether it’s cassava or hemp,” she said, urging scientists to develop innovative solutions suited to Ghana’s needs.
The minister proposed creating packaging materials that can perform like conventional plastics but break down into harmless substances after use, reducing their long-term impact on the environment.
She also cautioned that banning Styrofoam alone would not resolve Ghana’s wider plastic waste challenges. She pointed to concerns about microplastics entering the food chain and chemicals potentially leaching from plastic containers into drinking water, particularly when exposed to heat.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings called for stronger collaboration between scientists, research institutions and other stakeholders to translate scientific ideas into practical products that can be adopted by businesses and consumers.
The Environmental Protection Authority has announced that the ban will cover the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam products, commonly known as Styrofoam or takeaway packs. Certain products intended for medical, scientific, laboratory and diagnostic purposes may be exempt, subject to regulatory approval.
The government is expected to use the period before the ban takes effect to support public education and encourage manufacturers and food vendors to transition to suitable alternatives.
