Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has revealed the Government’s intention to prohibit the importation, manufacturing, and use of Styrofoam plastic takeaway packs across the nation. This announcement was made during the official launch of the One Tree Per Child Initiative at the Kwabenya Community Senior High School in Accra, commemorating World Environment Day.

According to Ghana News Agency, the proposed ban on Styrofoam, a non-biodegradable material, addresses the escalating waste accumulation challenge, particularly in urban areas like Accra. President Mahama emphasized the critical importance of combating illegal mining, forest destruction, and pollution to preserve the environment for future generations.

He highlighted Styrofoam plastic as one of the most significant polluters, often used in food packaging and casually discarded, contributing substantially to environmental degradation. “One of the most pernicious polluters is Styrofoam plastic,” he noted, emphasizing the need for alternative packaging solutions like paper or aluminum foil.

The President indicated that the decision to ban Styrofoam was communicated to manufacturers and importers, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. The government aims to transition food packaging materials in the country to paper and aluminum, aligning with environmental conservation efforts.