The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that confiscation of prohibited products will be among the measures used to enforce Ghana’s planned ban on polystyrene products, which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The agency says it is finalising the legal and regulatory framework required for implementation while working to ensure a smooth transition for businesses and consumers ahead of the ban.
Speaking on AM Show at the EPA headquarters on June 18, the Director of Sustainability and Circular Economy at the EPA, Larry Kotoe, said importers have sufficient time to adjust their operations before the restrictions come into force.
According to him, many businesses operate on import cycles of three to four months, providing adequate time to make the necessary changes.
Mr. Kotoe explained that the EPA is currently developing the protocols and legal instruments needed to support the ban and expects those processes to be completed before the implementation date.
He noted that confiscation would be one of several enforcement mechanisms available to ensure compliance once the ban takes effect.
“Confiscation is one of the measures, among many others, that will be used to ensure compliance,” he stated.
Mr. Kotoe further explained that the EPA’s presence at Ghana’s ports enables the agency to monitor products entering the country and regulate imports that require environmental authorisation.
He said the EPA will collaborate closely with the Ghana Customs Service to identify products that will be restricted under the new policy and determine the timelines for enforcement.
“We will be communicating with Customs on the list of items we intend to restrict and the timelines for implementation,” he said.
The EPA official also revealed that the agency is engaging manufacturers, importers, and other industry stakeholders to encourage voluntary compliance and ensure they are adequately prepared for the transition.
“We are discussing with industry players to ensure compliance so that everyone acts in good faith going forward,” he added.
The EPA maintains that the planned phase-out of polystyrene products forms part of broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution, improve waste management, and promote the adoption of environmentally sustainable alternatives across the country.
