No major project should proceed without EIA – Environment Minister

By Christabel Danso ABEAM

The Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Armah-Kofi Buah, has warned investors and developers that no major project will be permitted without undergoing a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Inaugurating the newly constituted Governing Boards of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) in Accra, the minister urged that members should strictly enforce environmental laws to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and support government’s vision of a greener, cleaner economy.

“The EIA process, as mandated by law, is not a bureaucratic obstacle but a shield to protect our water-bodies, forests, biodiversity and the health of our citizens. Your vigilance in upholding these standards is paramount to preventing the costly mistakes of environmental degradation,” Mr. Buah emphasised.

His call comes as government intensifies efforts to address environmental threats ranging from climate change and marine pollution to the devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey).

On the EPA’s mandate, the Minister noted that the Board will be required to strengthen national climate resilience, ensure sustainable exploitation of blue economy resources and guarantee transparent use of climate finance.

He further tasked the Board to expedite legislative reviews, establish frameworks for carbon credit markets and ensure compliance with international environmental conventions while expanding the Authority’s reach.

“The EPA’s presence must be felt in all districts. This expansion will require resources and human capital and I have no doubt the Board will strategically handle this,” he said.

With passage of the new Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) granting expanded powers to the Authority, the Board is expected to provide policy direction, oversee enforcement and ensure Ghana’s economic growth does not come at the price of ecological destruction.

Turning to the GAEC, Mr. Buah highlighted a need to ensure compliance with international nuclear safety and regulatory standards as Ghana collaborates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to advance its nuclear agenda.

“Processes are underway to review the GAEC Act, 2000 (Act 588) and better position the Commission to address national needs,” he disclosed, urging the Board to contribute expert input to the review.

He encouraged the GAEC Board to promote innovation and strengthen research collaborations in applying nuclear technology for agriculture, health, environmental management and industry.

The EPA Board is chaired by Ms. Christina Amoako with members including Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Dr. Eddie Akwetey, Mr. Clifford Edmund Frimpong, Prof. Rosemary Boateng Coffie, Mumuni Abdulai Bolnaaba, Prof. Mike Yaw Osei Atweneboana, Mr. Sampson Akwettey, Dr. Sandra Kesse-Amankwa, Mrs. Mavis Asare Donkor, Mr. Chris Kwasi Anaglo, Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto, Mr, Samuel Aggrey and Ms. Suweibatu Adam.

The GAEC Board is chaired by Dr Abdulai Baba Salifu with members Mr. Albert Quashgah, Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare, Prof. France Gbogbo, Dr. Sena Akosua Yvonne Loh, Prof. Langbong Bimi and Ms. Suweibatu Adam.

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