The Environmental Protection Agency has officially transitioned into the Environmental Protection Authority following the enactment of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124). This new law repeals and replaces the Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490), providing a more robust legal framework to enhance environmental governance in Ghana.
The transition is part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader environmental policy agenda, which prioritizes climate change resilience, sustainable waste management, and the protection of natural resources. The move is expected to strengthen regulatory enforcement and align Ghana’s environmental policies with international best practices.
As part of this transformation, President Mahama appointed renowned climate scientist Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse as the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority.
She will be responsible for overseeing the Authority’s expanded mandate, ensuring effective policy implementation, and driving innovation in environmental management. Her leadership will focus on strengthening partnerships, promoting accountability, and enforcing environmental laws to safeguard the country’s ecosystems.
The Environmental Protection Act, 2025, expands the Authority’s scope to address Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges. Key areas of focus include enhanced environmental protection, stricter pesticide control and management, improved handling of hazardous and electronic waste, and more coordinated responses to climate change.
President Mahama’s administration has reiterated its commitment to tackling deforestation, pollution, and climate adaptation through proactive policies and strengthened institutional capacity. The restructuring of the EPA is expected to play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, particularly in the mining industry.
