Styrofoam ban is long overdue – Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings
Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has backed the government’s planned ban on polystyrene products, popularly known as styrofoam, and called for strict enforcement of the policy.
She said the environmental dangers associated with polystyrene are serious and could no longer be overlooked.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also stressed the need for public education and behavioural change to ensure the policy achieves its intended purpose.
“The dangers around the use of polystyrene cannot be glossed over, and it has to be done," she made the comments when she appeared before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, August 27, for her vetting.
Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the ban, which has been given a six-month timeline, is long overdue and should be implemented as scheduled.
She acknowledged that changing public behaviour could take time but said the government could combine public education with incentives and penalties to achieve compliance.
According to her, the success of the policy would ultimately depend on how seriously the relevant agencies enforce it.
She also pointed to the need for citizens to take responsibility for protecting the environment, arguing that environmental protection should not be left solely to the government.
“I stand by the fact that the timeline has to be maintained. It’s long overdue," said the Klottey Korle MP.
The minister-designate said she would support the relevant agencies with public education and other measures if approved by Parliament to lead the ministry.