Dr. Zanetor Calls For Tougher Enforcement Against Those Destroying Ghana's Environment

The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has charged the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to ensure transparency and accountability in enforcing environmental laws to restore public confidence.

She said the laws must be applied fairly to all persons and organizations, cautioning that selective enforcement could erode public trust in the Authority and weaken its mandate.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings made the call when she visited the EPA in Accra on Friday to interact with management and staff on the Authority's mandate, ongoing activities and collaboration with the Ministry.

She called for stronger collaboration among the EPA, government agencies, civil society and citizens, stressing that environmental protection cannot be left to one institution alone.

According to her, environmental degradation including destruction of water bodies, soil pollution, plastic waste and use of harmful chemicals in illegal mining requires collective action to address both causes and effects.

She noted that activities in one part of the country could have dire consequences for people in other regions, especially through pollution of water sources, and called for a coordinated national response to environmental violations.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings further urged the EPA to make information on its activities, achievements, challenges and enforcement actions readily accessible to the public, saying openness would help address perceptions of unequal application of the law.

The Minister also encouraged the Authority to intensify public education, particularly in schools, and collaborate with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to promote responsible environmental practices.