President John Dramani Mahama has announced a bold plan to ban the importation and production of styrofoam plastics in Ghana, citing their significant contribution to environmental pollution.
Addressing citizens during his ongoing Thank You tour, President Mahama highlighted the dangers of indiscriminate styrofoam disposal, particularly in food packaging. “And then you finish eating, you just dump it.
That is one of the biggest polluters,” he said. He added that his government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, will soon enforce a nationwide ban. Alternatives like paper and aluminium foil, he noted, will be encouraged for food packaging.
While his message on sanitation was serious, it was his delivery that sparked laughter among the crowd. Reading from his speech, Mahama said: “Fellow Ghanaians, the journey from landfill…”
Then, with a smirk, he paused and said, “Oh, fellow Ghanaians—that sounds very familiar, yeah?” drawing clear reference to former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s signature phrase from his national COVID-19 addresses.
He followed up with a lighthearted correction: “Okay, fellow citizens.”
The remark added a humorous twist to an otherwise urgent message, showing Mahama’s willingness to take action on environmental issues—while still throwing a playful jab at his predecessor.
