The President of the Plastic Manufacturers Association of Ghana, Ebbo Botwe, has urged government to engage in thorough consultations before implementing a proposed ban on the importation and production of Styrofoam.
His comments follow President John Dramani Mahama’s announcement on Thursday, June 5, during the launch of the 2025 national tree planting initiative, where the President described Styrofoam commonly known as ‘Takeaway pack’ as a major pollutant due to its extensive use in food packaging. The proposed ban, he said, aims to combat environmental degradation and support reforestation and climate action efforts.
While Mr. Botwe acknowledged the concerns over pollution, he cautioned against a rushed decision.
He argued that there are widespread misconceptions about Styrofoam’s environmental impact, claiming its composition is less harmful than commonly believed. However, he admitted that improper disposal of Styrofoam makes it an eyesore in public spaces.
Instead of an outright ban, Mr. Botwe called for a more balanced approach that includes improving waste collection systems, investing in recycling infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness.
He emphasized the need for policies grounded in stakeholder engagement and data-driven analysis to avoid unintended consequences for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.
He reaffirmed the association’s readiness to work with the government to find sustainable solutions, but stressed that the complexity of the plastic industry must be fully understood before implementing sweeping regulatory changes.
