I support the declaration of a state of emergency on water bodies – EPA boss

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has urged President Mahama to declare a state of emergency on water bodies.

She said this is due to the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s rivers.

This follows several calls by various stakeholders for a total ban on every form of mining.

In an interview on 3FM Sunrise on March 19, she noted that immediate action must be taken to halt these operations, to reclaim lands and water bodies currently destroyed.

“I support the declaration of a state of emergency on water bodies. All activities in that category must stop because any form of mining in our water bodies is completely illegal,” the EPA CEO stated.

She hinted at plans to cease the granting of new mining licenses.

“No new license will be given to any person or group to mine in our rivers, it is a no-go area. That was one of the first things I tackled because we are aware of how much our water bodies have been polluted,” she stated.

Prof Browne Klutse also described the situation as a national emergency, highlighting that nearly every major river in the country has been contaminated. Beyond the environmental impact, she warned of broader threats posed by illegal mining, including risks to national security, forests, communities, and even the staff of the Forestry Commission.

The post I support the declaration of a state of emergency on water bodies – EPA boss first appeared on 3News.

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