Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, the former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has expressed satisfaction with the closure of Empire Cement Ghana Limited in Weija, Accra. He stated that this development confirms earlier concerns raised about the factory's environmental impact. Dr. Kokofu emphasized the importance of industries adhering to environmental requirements before commencing operations to avoid costly consequences.
The closure of Empire Cement Ghana Limited validates Dr. Kokofu's long-held concerns. He mentioned that efforts to address issues surrounding the company's operations were previously met with resistance and legal battles. According to Dr. Kokofu, the practice of developers obtaining permits from district and municipal assemblies before approaching the EPA often put the Authority in a difficult position, especially when structures had already been erected.
Dr. Kokofu was speaking at the launch of the Association of Former EPA Staff (AFEPAS) in Accra. He highlighted the significance of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), which transformed the EPA into an Authority with stronger legal powers to regulate activities that could harm the environment. This new law ensures that environmental clearance is the starting point for all proposed development projects.
The Environmental Protection Act, 2025, aims to prevent environmental degradation by making EPA approval a prerequisite for project commencement. Dr. Kokofu explained that the law requires environmental clearance to be the initial step, rather than an afterthought, and that EPA clearance must be obtained before and after project implementation. This way, the EPA can be held accountable if there are any infringements or breaches.
Dr. Kokofu stressed that the EPA's role is crucial in protecting Ghana's environment. He noted that the Authority's ability to enforce environmental regulations has been enhanced by the new law. The closure of Empire Cement Ghana Limited demonstrates the EPA's commitment to upholding environmental standards and ensuring that industries operate responsibly.
The Association of Former EPA Staff (AFEPAS) was launched to promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among former EPA employees. Dr. Kokofu's comments on the Empire Cement closure were made in the context of this launch, highlighting the importance of continued environmental advocacy. The event brought together former EPA staff to discuss environmental issues and strategies for effective environmental governance.
The closure of Empire Cement Ghana Limited serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental compliance. Dr. Kokofu's statements underscore the need for industries to prioritize environmental sustainability. The EPA's efforts to enforce environmental regulations have been reinforced by the new law, which is expected to have a positive impact on Ghana's environmental protection efforts.
Key points
- Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu welcomes Empire Cement's closure, citing earlier concerns over environmental impact.
- The Environmental Protection Act, 2025, provides the EPA with stronger legal powers to regulate activities that could harm the environment.
- The EPA emphasizes the importance of environmental clearance as a prerequisite for project commencement.
