The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has called on students and the public to take practical steps to protect the ozone layer and reduce environmental degradation, including cutting down the use of Styrofoam and other expanded polystyrene products.

Speaking at Tamale Girls Senior High School on Monday, October 5, 2026, the Acting Regional Director of the EPA, Mr Gafaru Adam Musah, said young people should lead environmental action in their homes, schools and communities. He said students can influence everyday choices and encourage more responsible environmental practices.

The awareness programme was organised to mark the 2026 World Ozone Day, observed on September 16 under the theme, “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”

Mr. Musah announced that the EPA will launch a public education campaign on October 22, 2026, ahead of a planned ban on expanded polystyrene products, which are widely used in takeaway-food packaging.

He urged the public to participate in the launch and engage with experts on the reasons for the proposed ban and its environmental implications.

Expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, is difficult to break down in the environment and can contribute to litter and pollution when improperly disposed of. Reducing its use and replacing it with reusable or more sustainable packaging can help limit this impact.

The Headmistress of Tamale Girls Senior High School, Madam Aisha Asuma, described ozone-layer protection as vital to human survival. She said human activities can either protect or damage the environment depending on how responsibly people behave.

Students at the programme received education on environmental protection and ozone-related issues. They also took part in quizzes before and after the sessions to measure how much they had learned.

By Sadiq Gariba