EPA To Establish Six Offices In Ashanti Region

As part of efforts to spread its tentacles across the country and the Ashanti Region specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it will establish six more branches.

Asante Mampong, Juaben and other critical towns in the region will get EPA offices soon.

This was communicated to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, during a courtesy call by Management and Board members of the Agency on Friday, December 15, 2023.

The courtesy call was on the sidelines of a three-day working visit by the group led by Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu, the Executive Director of the EPA and Prof Kwasi Appeaning Addo, the Board Chairman.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr Kokofu said, “The Board and management members are in the Ashanti Region for a three-day working visit and we thought it right to come to the Manhyia Palace and pay homage to the King.”

He used the occasion to introduce all members of the delegation to the King.

Presentation of Policy Guidance
Presenting a copy of their policy guidance which contains plans and achievements chalked so far, to Otumfuo, Mr Kokofu said the company will establish a new office complex in Kumasi.

He said a piece of land near that of the Lands Commission at Adum has been bequeathed to the Agency for the purpose.

He said the policy guide also contains plans to extend the mapping out and preservation of some wetlands in partnership with the Manhyia Palace to other regions after successful piloting.

“Our decision to seek the partnership of the Manyia Palace to scare off people and encroachers from wetlands has been effective. After raising a signpost bearing the name of the Palace and the EPA in flagging wetlands, we have received positive feedback and we have decided to extend it to other regions. It will help prevent people from building in waterways.”

This forms part of measures to deal with persistent flooding in the country.

KATH Renovation
As their quota for the renovation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), the EPA plans to undertake an environmental impact assessment of the project.

This will be done at no cost to the hospital, Dr Kokofu indicated.

Golden Stool Replica
The agency further humbly sought permission from the King to carve a replica of the Golden Stool to replace a stool held in recognition of Ghana in a museum in Dubai.

Dr Kokofu said a recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the COP 28 Summit took him to the Museum where he saw the supposed “Golden Stool” on display as an emblem of Ghana. According to him, the stool being displayed is not befitting and thereby his quest to get a replica of the Golden Stool.

He said a fund set aside by the agency will cater for that cost.

Otumfuo commended the delegation for the visit and the introduction and urged them to deliver on their mandate.

“You have all the positions and titles but work hard to protect our environment. The environment has been bestowed in your care and it is a herculean task.”