The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), in his additional role as Caretaker Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has inaugurated a 14-member Governing Board of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), with a call on members to protect Ghana’s environment while promoting sustainable development.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Buah described the occasion as “a significant step in our collective commitment to safeguard Ghana’s environment, advance sustainable development, and contribute to the Government’s vision of a greener, cleaner, and more prosperous nation.”

He highlighted the Board’s key responsibilities, including providing policy advice, enforcing environmental regulations, and ensuring that all major projects undergo a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before approval.

He stressed that the EIA process must be seen not as a bureaucratic hurdle but as a vital safeguard to protect Ghana’s water bodies, forests, biodiversity, and public health.

The Minister further urged the Board to take a proactive role in advancing the blue economy, supporting climate resilience initiatives, and strengthening the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), which continues to degrade farmlands, rivers, and forests.

He also emphasised the need for the EPA to expand its national presence and become more accessible to the public.

“Your presence must be felt. As you expand, there will be human resource and resource mobilisation needs, but I have no doubt the Board will handle this strategically,” he added.

Charging the members to serve with integrity and foresight, Mr. Buah underscored the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection for the benefit of future generations.

On behalf of the newly inaugurated Board, Chairperson Dr. Christine Amoako-Nuama expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that the Board would apply its expertise to guide the EPA in delivering on its mandate.