Empire Cement closure vindicates EPA concerns — former EPA boss
THE former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has welcomed the closure of Empire Cement Ghana Limited at Weija in Accra, saying the move validates concerns earlier raised about the environmental impact of the factory’s operations. He said the development underscored the need for industries to comply with … The post Empire Cement…
Former EPA CEO Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu welcomed the closure of Empire Cement Ghana Limited in Accra, stating that the move confirms previous concerns regarding the factory's environmental impact. Dr Kokofu highlighted the necessity for industries to adhere to environmental regulations before commencing operations to circumvent significant repercussions.
At the inauguration of the Association of Former EPA Staff (AFEPAS) in Accra, he noted that earlier attempts to resolve issues concerning the company's activities had faced resistance and legal disputes. According to Dr Kokofu, the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) was a game-changer, providing the EPA with enhanced legal authority to oversee activities that may jeopardize the environment.
He emphasized that the new legislation mandates that environmental clearance should be the initial step in any development project, rather than a post-construction requirement. Dr Kokofu stressed that the EPA's responsibilities should commence from the outset and conclude with its oversight to ensure accountability and responsibility in case of any environmental infringements or breaches.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
