The Director of the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) for the Tema region, Samuel Oteng, has firmly denied allegations that some EPA officers are extorting money from private schools within the Tema Metropolis under the threat of closure.
The claims, reportedly made by a number of private schools, suggest that EPA officials demand payments before allowing schools to continue operating. However, Mr. Oteng described the allegations as misleading, stressing that the officers are only enforcing existing environmental regulations.
According to him, schools—like many other facilities—are required by law to obtain environmental permits issued by the EPA under Regulation L.I. 1652 of 1999, which was amended in 2025. He explained that the regulation applies to all undertakings except purely residential buildings. Even in the case of residential facilities, he noted, an environmental assessment is still mandatory if the building is located in a sensitive area.
Mr. Oteng emphasized that environmental permitting is not limited to mining activities, as is commonly perceived, but extends to a wide range of operations including schools, places of worship, well houses, offices, and real estate developments.
He further clarified that the ongoing inspections form part of a nationwide exercise and are not targeted specifically at Tema. He added that the overall supervision of the exercise lies with the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA.
Explaining the procedure, Mr. Obeng said EPA officers visit facilities in the field and issue official letters directing operators to begin the permit acquisition process. Once assessed, facilities are issued stickers, which must be visibly displayed. These stickers come in three categories: those indicating full compliance, those showing the absence of a permit, and those signifying non-compliance with EPA requirements.
He urged institutions, including private schools, to cooperate with the Agency and follow due process, assuring the public that the EPA remains committed to transparency and lawful enforcement of environmental standards nationwide.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku