EPA must ensure transparency in law enforcement – Minister

Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, has urged the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to enhance transparency and accountability in enforcing environmental laws. She emphasized the importance of applying these laws fairly to all individuals and organizations, warning that any perceived selective enforcement could erode public trust in the EPA and weaken its efforts to safeguard the environment.

During her visit to the EPA in Accra, Dr Agyemang-Rawlings stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the EPA, government agencies, civil society organizations, and citizens to tackle environmental challenges. She highlighted the necessity of addressing issues like water body destruction, soil pollution, plastic waste, and the use of harmful chemicals in illegal mining through collective action, noting that activities in one region could impact people in other areas due to water pollution.

The Minister also called on the EPA to make its activities, achievements, challenges, and enforcement actions more accessible to the public, aiming to dispel perceptions of unequal law application and increase public understanding of the Authority's work. Dr Agyemang-Rawlings encouraged the EPA to ramp up public education, especially in schools, and collaborate with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to foster responsible environmental practices.

Regarding plastic pollution, she advocated for reduced plastic usage and promotion of eco-friendly alternatives, supporting the upcoming ban on Styrofoam products from January, with a focus on public education to ensure compliance rather than relying on post-implementation prosecutions. EPA CEO Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse affirmed the Authority's commitment to strengthening environmental protection in Ghana, acknowledging the challenges posed by human factors and political interventions.

She expressed gratitude for the Minister's support and expressed her determination to address these challenges, urging the Minister for continued guidance. Prof. Klutse emphasized that environmental protection is a constitutional responsibility for every Ghanaian and called on all stakeholders to unite in preserving the country's environment.