THE former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has welcomed the closure of Empire Cement Ghana Limited at Weija in Accra, saying the move validates concerns earlier raised about the environmental impact of the factory’s operations.
He said the development underscored the need for industries to comply with environmental requirements before commencing operations to avoid costly consequences.
Speaking at the launch of the Association of Former EPA Staff (AFEPAS) in Accra yesterday, Dr Kokofu said: “This is something we had envisaged long ago,” adding that earlier efforts to address concerns surrounding the company’s operations had been met with agitations and legal tussles.
According to him, the practice where developers obtained permits from district and municipal assemblies before approaching the EPA often placed the Authority in a difficult position when structures had already been erected.
He said the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), which transformed the agency into an Authority, was significant in providing the EPA with stronger legal powers to regulate activities that could threaten the environment.
He explained that the new law was intended to ensure that environmental clearance was the starting point for all proposed development projects, rather than an approval sought after developers had obtained other permits or begun construction.
“It must start with EPA and end with EPA so that at any point, if there are any infringements or breaches, then EPA can be held accountable or responsible,” he said. Read More.
BY ABIGAIL ANNOH
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