Story by: George Osei-Akoto Addae
The Acting Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced that the ministry has established 32 new offices of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) across the country as part of efforts to strengthen environmental governance and enhance the agency’s operational capacity under its expanded mandate.
Speaking during a working visit by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to the ministry, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said the newly created EPA offices are expected to improve environmental monitoring, enforcement of regulations, and response to emerging environmental challenges in all regions of the country.
He further disclosed that the ministry is engaging the Ministry of Finance to secure financial clearance for the recruitment of 400 scientists and researchers to support scientific and technological innovation as well as research activities in the country’s scientific institutions.
According to the minister, the planned recruitment forms part of government’s broader agenda to strengthen research, innovation, environmental protection, and evidence-based policymaking to drive national development.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah noted that investing in science and technology remains critical to addressing challenges such as climate change, pollution, food security, and sustainable industrial growth.
For her part, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang commended the ministry for its efforts to promote environmental sustainability and scientific advancement.
She stressed the need for collective action to protect Ghana’s natural resources and preserve the environment for future generations.
The Vice President particularly urged the public to desist from indiscriminate disposal of toxic and hazardous waste into water bodies and the country’s oceans, warning that such practices pose serious threats to marine ecosystems, public health, and livelihoods dependent on fishing and tourism.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that safeguarding the environment is a shared responsibility and called on citizens, businesses, and local authorities to support government’s efforts to combat pollution and promote sustainable environmental practices across the country.
She reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening environmental institutions and advancing science, technology, and innovation as key pillars of Ghana’s sustainable development agenda.
www.ahotoronline.com/oseiakotor1@gmail.com