You Are Entrusted With Lives; Otumfuo To EPA

In the simplest terms, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has defined the mandate of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), established through the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490).

“The agency was established for a course. The environment has been entrusted to your care and it’s a big task. Our lands, rivers, forests and air are under your care and that simply means our lives are in your care.”

This was a reminder to a delegation made up of the Board and Management members of the Agency who called on Asantehene on Friday, December 15, 2023 at the Manhyia Palace.

The King of the Asante kingdom emphasized that the Agency’s mandate is critical to human life and existence as they are responsible for protecting and enhancing the country’s environment and seeking common solutions to global environmental problems.

“Our strength and health are in your hands,” Otumfuo outlined.

He further highlighted that their responsibility to the country is not premised on the titles and the positions they hold individually but on sound policies they will be able to formulate and implement.

“You all hold positions and titles but what are you doing to protect the atmosphere and air we breathe from pollution, the water bodies and the forest from being destroyed? That is what you have been employed to do.”

Otumfuo also recommended comprehensive education about the environment to sensitise the public on the effects of pollution and degradation.

“People should be made aware that when the last tree dies, the last man dies with it and they must know why they shouldn’t destroy water bodies and help preserve the environment. They must know why they should not build in waterways and they must know the impact these negative habits and attitudes will have on their lives in the long run.”

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