Prof. Michael Ayamga, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Operations of EPA
Ghana has taken a major step toward strengthening environmental governance and climate resilience with the launch of the maiden public lecture on the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), held at the Omanye Aba Hall of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
The programme was chaired by Prof. Michael Ayamga, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), who represented Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Ag. CEO of EPA
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources who doubles as the caretaker Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Jacob Paarechuga Anankware, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of General Services at the EPA, described the new Act as a “significant step forward” in mainstreaming climate action into national development.
Dr. Anankware noted that climate change poses grave threats to Ghana’s future — from coastal erosion and biodiversity loss to increasing urban pollution — and called for a shared national response.
“The environment is the foundation of our economy and society,” he said, stressing that effective environmental governance is not the responsibility of government alone but requires collaboration across industry, academia, civil society, and individual citizens.
He added that the Act opens pathways for green jobs, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and technological innovation, which could place Ghana at the forefront of climate-resilient growth in Africa.
In her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA described the passage of Act 1124 as both a mandate and an opportunity. She emphasized that while the law provides stronger enforcement powers, its success will depend on collective action.
“From climate-induced flooding to urban air pollution and plastic waste, Ghana faces urgent challenges. The EPA cannot walk this path alone,” she stated, urging stakeholders to turn the law into a living framework that safeguards public health and livelihoods.
Both speakers acknowledged the support of development partners, academia, civil society, and traditional authorities, urging participants to leave the event with a commitment to at least one concrete action in advancing environmental protection.
The public lecture marks the beginning of a series of national engagements aimed at redefining environmental governance and ensuring that Ghana’s climate commitments translate into measurable outcomes.
