Parliament of Ghana has passed the Environmental Protection Bill 2024 which changes the Environmental Protection Agency’s status into an Authority.
In effect, this has created the Environmental Protection Authority.
The Authority is in charge of regulating, protecting, and providing oversight and coordination on all matters concerning the environment and climate change; becoming a legal framework for coordinated efforts to address all environmental protection issues in the country.
Leading deliberations in the house on Thursday, 2nd Deputy Speaker, Hon. Andrew Asiamah announced the passage of the law officially, after being read for the third time according to parliamentary procedure.
“Honourable members, the ‘ayes’ have it; the motion is adapted…the Environmental Protection Bill 2024 is now read the third time and passed” he declared, banging the speaker’s gavel in accordance with parliamentary procedure.
Multiple media reports indicate that the bill received support from both sides of the house following months under consideration. This outcome is a positive feedback to advocacy from stakeholders including staff of the authority who called on parliament to pass the bill before the 8th Parliament comes to an end.
This change gives more power to the authority in delivering its mandate of protecting the environment and making it safe. The bill provides stricter provisions concerning industrial emissions, waste management and deforestation
It also makes provisions for climate change, renewable energy sources and encourage eco-friendly practices among businesses and individuals, in a bid to encourage sustainable living.
It has been heralded as another show of Ghana’s commitment to the sustainability course.
