Environmental Protection Agency transitions to become an Authority

Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially transitioned into the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), following the enactment of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).

This Act repeals and replaces the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490), significantly enhancing the legal framework for environmental management in Ghana.

This transition aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s broader environmental policy agenda, which prioritises climate change resilience, effective waste management, and sustainability. 

As part of this transformation, President Mahama had earlier appointed renowned climate scientist Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse as the CEO of the authority to oversee its operations.

In her new role as CEO, Prof. Klutse will be responsible for driving the Authority’s mandate, including the implementation of its expanded legal framework. 

Her leadership will focus on fostering innovation, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring accountability in Ghana’s environmental governance.

The Environmental Protection Act, 2025, expands the Authority’s scope to tackle Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges. The key focus areas include:

1. Environmental protection – Strengthening the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
2. Pesticides control and management – Regulating pesticide usage and disposal to prevent harm.
3. Management of hazardous wastes – Introducing sustainable solutions for hazardous and electronic waste.
4. Coordination of climate change responses – Enhancing the country’s adaptation and mitigation strategies.

This transformation aims to elevate the EPA as the lead institution for environmental governance, bringing Ghana’s environmental policies in line with global best practices.

A renewed focus on sustainability

President Mahama’s administration has reiterated its commitment to addressing critical environmental issues, including deforestation, pollution, and climate adaptation. 

The restructuring of the EPA is expected to bolster his administration’s proactive approach to strengthening institutional capacity and fostering sustainable practices across various sectors, especially in the mining sector.

The Environmental Protection Authority has issued a public notice to advise that all correspondence, engagements, and activities must now align with its new status. 

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