The Ghana Plastic Manufacturers’ Association (GPMA) has appealed to government to extend the implementation date of the planned ban on the production and sale of Styrofoam products from January 2027 to January 2030.
The Association says the extension will allow manufacturers enough time to transition to alternative products, recover investments and protect thousands of jobs within the plastic manufacturing and recycling sectors.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, June 21, 2026, the GPMA said it supports measures aimed at protecting the environment but believes the ban requires broader consultation with industry players to avoid severe economic consequences.
According to the Association, the plastic industry contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy, with more than 171 production factories operating across the country and providing direct and indirect employment to millions of people.
The GPMA said a sudden ban on Styrofoam production could result in what it described as an “indirect closure” of businesses, particularly affecting manufacturers, food vendors, market traders and other small-scale operators who rely on affordable packaging solutions.
The Association disclosed that manufacturers have invested approximately GH¢1.493 billion in Styrofoam production equipment and facilities, warning that the proposed timeline could leave many businesses unable to recover their investments.
“Technically, this approach amounts to an indirect closure of our businesses,” the statement said, adding that many companies recently acquired machinery with expected investment recovery periods extending beyond 2027.
The GPMA also raised concerns about the impact of the ban on banks and financial institutions, noting that several companies have acquired equipment through loans and financial commitments.
The Association argued that plastic pollution is primarily a waste management challenge rather than a production issue, urging government to consider solutions such as improved recycling systems and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programmes instead of an outright ban.
It cited examples of countries including Germany, South Korea and the Netherlands, where recycling infrastructure and producer responsibility systems have been used to manage plastic waste.
The manufacturers further warned that an immediate ban could increase dependence on imported alternatives, create foreign exchange pressures and undermine government’s efforts to promote local manufacturing and import substitution.
The GPMA said it is willing to support a transition away from Styrofoam products but requested a gradual approach that gives businesses adequate time to adjust.
The Association appealed to President John Mahama to intervene and consider extending the deadline to January 2030, while also requesting government support if the January 2027 deadline remains unchanged, including possible reimbursement for investments made in Styrofoam production machinery.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) announced plans to ban the manufacture and sale of Styrofoam products from January 2027 as part of efforts to address environmental pollution.
