No More Takeaway Packs Mahama Plans Styrofoam Ban

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a bold environmental move: his government plans to ban the importation and production of styrofoam plastics in Ghana.

Speaking during his ongoing Thank You tour, Mahama explained that the decision is part of efforts to fight environmental pollution, especially caused by styrofoam used in food packaging. He described the material as one of the country’s worst pollutants due to how easily people dump them after use.

“You finish eating, and then you just dump it. That is one of the biggest polluters,” Mahama said, expressing concern about the damage caused to Ghana’s drains, streets, and water bodies.

The ban, he noted, will be rolled out in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, and will encourage the use of safer alternatives like paper wraps and aluminium foil for food vendors and restaurants.

While the message was serious, Mahama’s delivery had a moment of humour that drew laughter from his audience. As he began to read a prepared speech, he said: “Fellow Ghanaians, the journey from landfill…”

Then he paused with a smirk and added: “Oh, fellow Ghanaians—that sounds very familiar, yeah?”

The crowd immediately caught the joke, recognizing it as a reference to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s famous COVID-era speeches that always began with “Fellow Ghanaians.”

Mahama then corrected himself, saying with a chuckle: “Okay, fellow citizens.”

The light moment added some levity to an otherwise urgent topic, and many in the crowd appreciated the balance of firm policy direction and relatable humour.

Environmental activists have long called for such a ban, arguing that styrofoam is non-biodegradable, clogs drains, and is hazardous to both humans and animals. Ghana joins a growing list of countries looking to phase out single-use plastics as part of climate and waste reduction efforts.

If implemented, the ban would mean that food vendors, shops, and importers would have to switch to eco-friendly packaging options, likely changing the way food is packaged across the country.

President Mahama ended his remarks by reaffirming his administration’s commitment to cleaning up Ghana and creating a healthier, more sustainable environment for all citizens.