Omanghana
Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe has pledged to enforce the nationwide ban on polystyrene foam products across the region when it takes effect on January 1, 2027.
He said the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council would work with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), police and customs officers at checkpoints to ensure compliance across all seven Municipal and District Assemblies.
The minister warned that prohibited materials would no longer be permitted after the deadline, naming Damongo, Bole, Sawla, Buipe, Salaga and Daboya among the communities where enforcement would take place.
Announced by the EPA following a policy directive from President John Dramani Mahama, the ban covers the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale and use of specified polystyrene foam products. These include Styrofoam takeaway containers, foam mattresses, ceiling panels and cushioning materials.
Be-Awuribe’s commitment comes as the EPA undertakes a weeklong public education campaign to prepare businesses and consumers for the transition.
The campaign, running from October 26 to November 1, 2026, covers the Savannah, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and North East regions. It targets manufacturers, distributors and consumers with information about the restrictions and the shift towards environmentally friendly alternatives.
The outreach is intended to help affected businesses and households understand the changes before enforcement begins. In the Savannah Region, the coordinating council’s planned collaboration with regulatory and security agencies will support implementation at both community level and transport checkpoints.
Source: Omanghana
