Ghana's Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, recently undertook a familiarization visit to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). This visit was part of her engagements with agencies under her Ministry. During the visit, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings was briefed on the EPA's mandate, operations, and challenges. The Minister commended the EPA for managing its workload effectively.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings emphasized the need for the EPA to enhance enforcement, prosecutions, transparency, and public accountability. She noted that the EPA's mandate is extensive and that she looks forward to seeing successful prosecutions and convictions of individuals involved in environmental illegality. The Minister cited mining and pollution as areas of concern. She urged the EPA to ensure greater openness in its operations to build public trust.
The Minister stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the EPA's operations. She urged the Authority to implement systems that facilitate public access to information on its activities, achievements, and challenges. This, she believes, will help eliminate perceptions of selective law enforcement. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also highlighted persistent sanitation issues, including the burning of rubbish in neighborhoods and dumping of waste into drains.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings expressed concern about indiscriminate littering, particularly around food vending areas. She observed that these issues are widespread and require attention. The Minister commended the EPA's public education drive and urged closer collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE). She also suggested intensified engagement in schools and on social media to raise awareness.
The Minister encouraged the EPA to engage in greater public education, particularly in schools, and to leverage social media. She emphasized the need to bring the public on board as responsible citizens. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings believes that educating children will have a knock-on effect in households. She urged the EPA to explore various avenues for public engagement.
During her visit, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged the EPA's efforts in managing its workload. However, she emphasized that there is still much work to be done. The Minister's comments suggest that the EPA needs to take a more proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges. She encouraged the Authority to work towards achieving successful prosecutions and convictions.
The familiarization visit by Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings demonstrates her commitment to addressing environmental issues in Ghana. The Minister's engagement with the EPA highlights the importance of collaboration between agencies in addressing environmental challenges. The visit also underscores the need for greater transparency and public accountability in the EPA's operations.
Key points
- Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings emphasizes need for EPA to enhance enforcement and transparency.
- Minister urges EPA to ensure greater openness in operations to build public trust.
- Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings suggests closer collaboration with National Commission for Civic Education.
