By Jesse Ampah Owusu
Accra, Oct 31, GNA – Former and retired staff of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) have launched an association aimed at promoting the welfare of members while leveraging their expertise to support environmental protection and management efforts in Ghana.
The Association of Former EPA Staff Limited by Guarantee (AFEPAS) will focus on member support, skills development, mentorship, and networking while serving as advocates on environmental protection and management issues.
The Association, which currently has more than 80 members, has three membership categories – ordinary, associate, and honorary – with clear admission procedures and membership rights outlined in its constitution.
Its interim leadership comprises seven patrons, a five-member executive committee, a two-member welfare committee, and two-member finance and technical teams.
The Association was officially launched in Accra, bringing together former EPA staff from across the country.
Dr Edward Dwumfour, a Patron of the Association, described the formation of AFEPAS as timely, considering the vast experience and expertise of its members in environmental management.
He noted that many retired EPA professionals continued to provide consultancy and training services both locally and internationally, making their knowledge and voices vital as Ghanconfrontedts growing environmental challenges.
Dr Dwumfour urged the Association to strengthen collaboration not only with its parent institution, the EPA, but also with other relevant organisations to enhance environmental stewardship in the country.
Mr Emmanuel Appoh, Interim Vice President of AFEPAS, said the welfare of members remained the Association’s immediate priority, alongside efforts to build partnerships with institutions within and outside Ghana.
He explained that the decision to establish the Association stemmed from concerns over losing contact with colleagues after retirement and the need to create a platform for continued engagement, support and empowerment.
Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, in a speech read on her behalf by Madam Josephine Bishoff, Director of Administration, said the launch of the Association demonstrated a commitment to preserving the relationships, institutional knowledge and experience built over the years.
She expressed the EPA’s readiness to collaborate with AFEPAS in areas such as mentorship, research, public education, and professional development to advance environmental protection in Ghana.
“May the Association remain a strong platform for fellowship, knowledge-sharing, and meaningful contributions to our institution and nation,” Professor Klutse said.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Jesse Ampah Owusu