The Ghana Plastic Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) has called on the government and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to reconsider the planned ban on the manufacture and sale of Styrofoam products from January 1, 2027, arguing that the timeline could have significant economic consequences for the industry.

In a statement issued on June 21, the association said the ban was announced without prior consultation with plastic manufacturers and warned that the seven-month transition period was insufficient for businesses to adjust.

According to the GPMA, the plastic industry comprises more than 171 production factories nationwide and directly employs over 41,000 people, while supporting millions of additional jobs through related sectors, including recycling, sachet water production, food packaging and beverage manufacturing.

The association stated that manufacturers have invested an estimated GH¢1.493 billion in plant and machinery dedicated to Styrofoam food packaging production and argued that the equipment cannot be retooled to manufacture proposed alternatives.

GPMA further noted that many of the investments were financed through bank loans, raising concerns about the ability of businesses to repay those obligations if the ban takes effect as scheduled.

The association said most manufacturers require between five and ten years to recover their investments, adding that some companies only recently acquired new machinery.

It also expressed concern that the ban could affect exports, noting that the industry exports more than half of its products to markets across the ECOWAS region and other African countries.

According to the GPMA, an immediate ban could lead to factory closures, job losses, reduced government revenue and increased dependence on imported alternatives. The Association also warned that relocating machinery abroad could contribute to capital flight.

While supporting efforts to address environmental concerns, the association argued that plastic pollution is primarily a waste management challenge rather than a production issue and called for alternative approaches, including improved recycling systems and extended producer responsibility programmes.

The GPMA said a realistic transition period would be at least 18 months once all necessary conditions are in place. It also indicated support for a ban on the importation of finished Styrofoam products from January 2027.

The association has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene and grant an extension, proposing January 1, 2030, as a new implementation date to allow manufacturers sufficient time to recover investments and transition from Styrofoam production.

The statement was signed by GPMA President Ebbo Botwe.