EPA commissions Kassena-Nankana Municipal office to strengthen environmental compliance
The ceremony, held under the theme “Combating Environmental Degradation Through Compliance for Sustainable Growth in Kassena-Nankana Municipality,” brought together government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, security agencies and community stakeholders.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has officially commissioned a new Municipal Office at the Tono Irrigation Project site in the Kassena-Nankana Municipal on February 27, marking a major step toward strengthening environmental governance, compliance and service delivery at the local level.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Combating Environmental Degradation Through Compliance for Sustainable Growth in Kassena-Nankana Municipality,” brought together government officials, traditional leaders, development partners, security agencies and community stakeholders.
Welcoming participants, the Upper East Acting Regional Director of the EPA, Dr. Emmanuel Wandaat, described the event as a turning point for environmental protection in the municipality, stressing that laws alone cannot protect the environment without collective action.
“Policies alone are not enough; they must translate into compliance, enforcement and collective responsibility if we are to safeguard our environment and secure the future of the municipality,” he said.
Managing Director of the Irrigation Company of Upper Regions (ICOUR), Dominic Anarigide, underscored the close link between irrigation development and environmental protection, noting that the location of the EPA office within ICOUR’s premises was a deliberate and strategic decision.
“Compliance is not punitive; it is protective. It safeguards our land, our water resources, our livelihoods and the future of generations yet unborn,” he stated.
The Member of Parliament for Navrongo Central, Simon Akibange Aworigo, described environmental degradation as a national concern and welcomed the opening of the office as clear evidence of government’s commitment to addressing the growing threat.
“A threat to the environment is an existential threat, and without a healthy environment, human existence itself is at risk,” he emphasized.
Commissioning the office, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Nana Ama Brown Klutse, said the new municipal office aligns with Ghana’s decentralization policy and will bring critical environmental services closer to communities.
“With the opening of this office, the people of Kassena-Nankana can now access environmental permitting, compliance support, monitoring services and education right at their doorstep,” she noted.
Prof. Klutse further stressed that environmental compliance should be seen as an enabler of development rather than a barrier.
“Compliance with environmental standards is not a punishment or an obstacle to development; it is the pathway to sustainable growth,” she said.
She called on communities, institutions, farmers, businesses and local authorities to actively collaborate with EPA officers to promote responsible environmental practices.
The new municipal office is expected to improve regulatory oversight, enhance public education, support sustainable investment and strengthen efforts to combat land degradation, pollution and unsustainable farming practices in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Alexander Kubabom
