The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to exercise greater vigilance in issuing environmental permits, particularly for mining activities that could pose a threat to Ghana’s water bodies.
He stressed the need for thorough inspections before permits are granted, warning that approvals issued without proper assessment could contribute to environmental degradation.
“Exercise vigilance when issuing permits. Sometimes these permits are issued without officials even visiting the site. Permits must not be granted arbitrarily. Today, we see pipelines discharged directly into water bodies, polluting our water resources,” Otumfuo said.
The Asantehene also called for the EPA to be given a more active and decisive role in the issuance of mining concessions, arguing that sidelining the Authority undermines efforts to protect the environment.
“Your mandate is to protect the environment. The EPA must have an active, decisive role in the issuance of mining concessions. Bypassing the EPA in these processes is the root cause of many of our current environmental crises,” he stated.
Otumfuo further stressed that the EPA must be adequately empowered to enforce environmental regulations and discharge its mandate effectively.
“If the EPA will not be empowered to function as it ought to, then there is no point in having it. They must have the full authority to protect the environment,” he added.
The Asantehene made the remarks on Friday, August 14, 2026, when the management of the EPA paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace.
The visit was to brief him on the Authority’s upcoming national ban on expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027.
The Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, disclosed that the Authority will launch an intensive public sensitisation campaign in Kumasi on August 26 and 27, 2026, as part of efforts to prepare the public and businesses for the implementation of the ban.
She appealed to the Asantehene for his royal blessings, counsel and support to help secure widespread community awareness and compliance with the policy across Asanteman.
Prof. Browne Klutse was accompanied to the Manhyia Palace by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene; the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Technical Services, Mrs Esi Nerquaye-Tetteh; the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Prof. Michael Ayamga; and other senior officials of the Authority.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for the EPA leadership to brief the Asantehene on measures being pursued to strengthen environmental protection and promote responsible practices among communities and businesses.
