Plastic Manufacturers appeal for extended timeline, financial relief over planned polystyrene foam ban
The Ghana Plastic Manufacturers’ Association (GPMA) has raised concerns over government’s planned ban on polystyrene foam products scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, calling for an extension of time and a comprehensive transition plan to address its economic impact.
While the Association says it supports efforts to promote environmental sustainability, it argues that the proposed timeline is too short and could result in severe financial and employment challenges for the industry. It is therefore proposing an extension of at least 18 months before full enforcement.
Alternatively, GPMA is also calling for a financial bailout, requesting government to reimburse capital investments in plants and machinery, which it estimates at GH¢1.493 billion.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), led by Prof. Nana Ama Brown Klutse, announced in May 2026 that Ghana is taking steps to ban the production and use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam products as part of broader efforts to improve environmental sanitation, protect public health, reduce plastic waste, and promote sustainable development.
The ban will cover food packaging containers, takeaway packs, disposable cups and plates, food trays used in restaurants and chop bars, as well as foam-based insulation, ceiling materials, mattresses, bedding products, and other EPS items used for human consumption or related purposes.
The initiative follows earlier indications by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2025 National Tree Planting Exercise of plans to phase out certain plastic products in the country.
In a statement dated June 12 and addressed to the Chief Executive of the EPA, GPMA President Ebbo Botwe said the Association’s concerns go beyond production adjustments, stressing that the sector’s investments, jobs, and broader economic contributions are at risk.
According to the Association, Ghana’s plastics manufacturing industry comprises over 171 production factories and directly employs more than 41,395 workers. It also supports an estimated 1.89 million jobs in the plastic waste recycling sector and about 1.43 million jobs within the sachet water, bottled water, beverage, and related industries.
GPMA further claimed that the sector’s total employment impact stands at about 3.71 million jobs, noting that approximately 92 percent of industries in Ghana rely on plastic packaging in their operations.
The Association also highlighted the sector’s contribution to exports, stating that it ranks among Ghana’s top commodity export earners after gold, crude oil, cocoa, and cashew. It added that about 57 percent of exports go to ECOWAS countries including Togo, Sierra Leone, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Senegal, warning that the ban could disrupt regional supply chains.
GPMA stressed that while it is willing to support the policy direction, it should only proceed if accompanied by safeguards for existing investments.
“We will be willing to support the ban provided this action is taken at a zero cost to our capital machinery cost of GH¢1.493 billion,” the Association stated.
It further argued that most investments in GPPS and PS machinery are long term and require up to 10 years to fully recover, adding that many firms recently acquired equipment that would become unviable if the ban is enforced as scheduled.
The Association also warned of potential financial risks to banks and lenders, noting that most investments are backed by loans. It cautioned that enforcement of the ban without adequate transition could trigger repayment challenges and instability in the financial sector.
GPMA added that Styrofoam machinery is not adaptable for alternative production, making retooling impractical, and therefore increasing the risk of asset losses.
It also raised concerns about raw material import cycles, explaining that procurement operates on a quarterly system requiring up to 12 months per cycle, which could be disrupted by a sudden policy shift.
The Association is therefore urging government and the EPA to reconsider the implementation timeline to avoid economic disruption, safeguard investments, and ensure a smoother transition to environmentally friendly alternatives.