The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has said Ghana’s planned ban on styrofoam and the phased removal of single-use plastics are critical measures to addressing the country’s worsening flooding challenges.

The EPA Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Brown Klutse, said while heavy rainfall cannot be prevented, flood disasters can be reduced through better waste management and protecting drainage systems.

She made the comments during a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister, as flooding continues in several parts of the country, particularly Accra, where recent incidents have resulted in deaths, property damage and displacement.

Professor Brown Klutse identified three main causes of the flooding situation: heavy rainfall, construction on waterways, and indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste.

She noted that development on natural waterways and wetlands is obstructing the flow of water, while plastic waste — especially styrofoam food packaging — is increasingly blocking drains and rivers.

According to her, “the heavy rain is one of them,” but blocked drainage channels are worsening the situation. She added that plastics and styrofoam “choke the pathways” of water meant to flow into the sea.

She stressed that while rainfall cannot be controlled, human activity can prevent flooding from escalating, saying better waste disposal and clear gutters would allow water to flow freely.

The EPA says it remains committed to enforcing the styrofoam ban, which will be followed by broader action on single-use plastics.

Professor Brown Klutse also said the Authority is addressing degradation of rivers and wetlands, noting that some watercourses have been altered by siltation, illegal activities and encroachment. She said the EPA plans a broader engineering approach to restore river flow and protect wetlands, which serve as natural water storage areas during heavy rains.

She added that wetlands must be preserved to function effectively as part of the ecosystem.

The EPA Chief Executive also disclosed that the authority has tested an ionic nano-copper water treatment technology to help clean polluted water bodies. However, she said its effectiveness is limited when river flow is obstructed by silt and waste.

She explained that once river systems are restored, the technology could help remove heavy metals and reduce turbidity, supporting improved water treatment by the Ghana Water Company.

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, called for a coordinated cross-regional approach to river management, noting that rivers such as the Pra cross multiple jurisdictions. He warned that upstream activities can undermine conservation efforts downstream.