EPA must ensure transparency in enforcement — Minister

The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, has called on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to prioritize transparency and accountability in its enforcement of environmental laws, aiming to rebuild public trust in the institution. Dr Agyemang-Rawlings emphasized that the EPA must apply environmental regulations equally to all entities, warning that selective enforcement could erode public confidence and hinder environmental protection efforts.

During a visit to the EPA in Accra, she engaged with management and staff regarding the Authority's role, current projects, and cooperation with government agencies, civil society groups, and citizens. Dr Agyemang-Rawlings highlighted the urgent need for collaboration among these entities to tackle environmental issues such as water body pollution, soil contamination, plastic waste, and the exploitation of natural resources through illegal mining.

She stressed that protecting the environment is a collective responsibility that cannot be shouldered by a single organization. To address concerns of unequal enforcement, the Minister urged the EPA to make comprehensive information on its operations, accomplishments, difficulties, and enforcement actions easily available to the public, emphasizing that increased transparency would help dispel perceptions of unfair treatment.