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Natural resources

Environment Minister Warns Investors: No Major Project Without EIA

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Armah-Kofi Buah, has emphasized the importance of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in Ghana's development. Inaugurating the new Governing Boards of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), the minister stressed that no major project will be permitted without undergoing a thorough EIA. This warning comes as the government intensifies efforts to address environmental threats, including climate change and marine pollution, and the devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Environment Minister, Armah-Kofi Buah, has warned investors and developers that no major project will be permitted without undergoing a thorough EIA.
  • The EIA process is not a bureaucratic obstacle but a shield to protect Ghana's natural resources, water-bodies, forests, biodiversity, and citizens' health.
  • The EPA Board is expected to strengthen national climate resilience, ensure sustainable exploitation of blue economy resources, and guarantee transparent use of climate finance.
  • The Board will also expedite legislative reviews, establish frameworks for carbon credit markets, and ensure compliance with international environmental conventions.
  • The GAEC Board will promote innovation and strengthen research collaborations in applying nuclear technology for agriculture, health, environmental management, and industry.
  • The passage of the new Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) grants expanded powers to the EPA, enabling it to provide policy direction, oversee enforcement, and ensure Ghana's economic growth does not come at the price of ecological destruction.

Statistics:

  • Ghana's Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) grants expanded powers to the EPA, enabling it to provide policy direction, oversee enforcement, and ensure Ghana's economic growth does not come at the price of ecological destruction.
  • The EPA's new mandate includes strengthening national climate resilience, ensuring sustainable exploitation of blue economy resources, and guaranteeing transparent use of climate finance.
  • The GAEC Board has 14 members, including Dr. Abdulai Baba Salifu as chair and Prof. Samuel Boakye Dampare as a member.

Sources:

  • "No major project should proceed without EIA Environment Minister" by The Business and Financial Times (no date provided)
  • Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) (no date provided)
  • Ghana Atomic Energy Commission Act, 2000 (Act 588) (no date provided)
  • International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (no date provided)

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