By Michael Foli Jackidy
Dzodze (V/R), June 5, GNA – The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has officially commissioned its first-ever municipal office in the Ketu North Municipality, marking a major step toward decentralising its operations and bringing environmental governance closer to the people.
The new office, inaugurated on Tuesday, June 3, in Dzodze, is expected to serve as a local hub for environmental regulation and services, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Ho or Sogakope for assistance.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, emphasised the authority’s commitment to creating a serene and healthy environment for all Ghanaians.
“In line with the new mandate of the EPA, we are taking steps to bring our services to the doorstep of every Ghanaian,” she said.
“Thanks to the collaboration between the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Chief Executive, Ketu North now has its own EPA office.”
Prof. Klutse stressed the need for public cooperation to achieve environmental goals and urged local chiefs to help curb illegal sand winning, which she described as harmful to farmlands and flood-prone areas.
“The office is here to provide guidance on all activities that impact the environment whether it’s constructing buildings, setting up fuel stations, or other projects. You are now required to seek EPA permits for such developments,” she added.
She also encouraged the public to report environmental violations to the new office and assured that the national EPA office would provide full logistical and human resource support to ensure its effective operation.
Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, noted that the decision to establish the EPA office was a bold but necessary one, taken in collaboration with the MCE to make government services more accessible to the people.
“We are committed to ensuring that all decentralised government institutions have a physical presence in Ketu North,” he said.
“This will not only reduce the burden of travel for residents but also accelerate local development.”
He also called on residents to support the smooth running of the new office and warned those engaged in illegal sand mining to desist, as it is a criminal offense.
Mr Agbana used the opportunity to invite the public to actively participate in the upcoming World Environment Day celebration by planting and nurturing at least one tree.
He announced that on Thursday, June 5, the municipality would plant 10,000 coconut seedlings along the newly constructed Ehi-Penyi road.
Assembly Members have also designated additional planting sites in their respective electoral areas.
Rev. Martin Amenaki, Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu North, described the commissioning as a landmark achievement in the municipality’s environmental stewardship.
“This is a pivotal moment for addressing the environmental challenges in our municipality,” he said.
“Let this commissioning serve as a clarion call to action a reminder that preserving our environment is not just a duty but a legacy for future generations.”
The ceremony was attended by EPA staff, traditional leaders, community elders, and residents.
As part of the occasion, Prof. Klutse was honoured by the chiefs and elders of Dzodze and installed as Mama Dredzudo I of Dzodze in recognition of her contributions to environmental protection.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei