Central Expo becomes battleground for EPA's styrofoam ban awareness drive

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) took its public awareness campaign on the impending styrofoam ban to the Central Regional Trade, Tourism and Investment Fair in Cape Coast on Monday, August 31, 2026, using the platform to educate exhibitors and patrons on the environmental hazards of polystyrene foam products.

Officials moved from stand to stand at the Adisadel College Park venue, distributing information and exhibiting alternative materials, while appealing to the public to accept the ban and embrace eco-friendly substitutes. The exercise coincided with the opening of the 2026 Central Expo, a major annual showcase of local businesses, agricultural produce, arts, crafts, and tourism potential from the region's 22 metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies.

Delivering the keynote address, EPA Chief Executive Officer Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse reaffirmed that environmental protection is a collective responsibility and called on traditional leaders in the region to throw their weight behind the proposed ban. She underscored the intrinsic link between human survival and ecological health, noting that the environment provides "the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat," and that "we cannot take away the environment while we go about our businesses or daily activities."

Professor Klutse also urged business owners to seek EPA permits and guidelines to ensure their operations do not pollute the environment. "Every business here requires a permit from the EPA," she emphasised. "If you are not sure, ask yourself a simple question: Does your operation affect the air we breathe? Does it affect the water we drink and use? Does it affect the land we live on? If you are still not sure, get to the nearest EPA office, present your business idea, and the office will advise you on whether you need a permit and the type you require."

Background
The EPA has announced a nationwide ban on styrofoam products, effective January 1, 2027, and has since rolled out a public awareness campaign to prepare the public for the transition. According to the Authority, the ban is imperative because styrofoam is non-biodegradable, persists in the environment for years, and contributes significantly to plastic pollution.

Professor Klutse further explained that styrofoam worsens flooding in Accra and other cities by clogging drainage systems and water bodies when dumped indiscriminately, choking waterways and preventing the free flow of water.

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