The government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing leadership, policy direction, and resources to ensure the effective implementation of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124). It has, however, appealed for public support, stressing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.

The assurance was given by the Acting Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during the maiden Public Lecture organised by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in Accra.

The event, themed “Redefining Environmental Governance and Climate Action in Ghana: The Role of EPA Act 1124 (2025),” brought together policymakers, traditional authorities, development partners, private sector players, youth networks, and academia.

Mr. Buah described the new Act as more than just legislative reform, noting that it represents a bold commitment by the government to mainstream environmental protection in all aspects of national development.

“Without clean air, safe water, healthy soils, and resilient ecosystems, our ambitions in agriculture, industry, energy, and health cannot be realised,” he said.

He also encouraged stakeholders to see climate action as an opportunity to drive investments in renewable energy, green jobs, sustainable agriculture, and the circular economy.

For her part, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse—speaking through Deputy CEO Prof. Michael Ayamga—highlighted the transformative potential of the new law. She noted that Act 1124 empowers the Authority with broader enforcement powers, enhances institutional collaboration, and aligns environmental governance with Ghana’s climate resilience agenda.

Panelists at the event also emphasized that the law grants the EPA full oversight of environmental protection activities and direct control over the National Environmental Fund, allowing for more targeted and accountable use of resources.