Let’s protect environment to unlock jobs, drive innovation — Buah
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has called on citizens to see environmental protection as a shared national duty and a catalyst for economic transformation.
He explained that climate action, if well harnessed, could create many green jobs and drive technological innovation in areas like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and circular economy.
“The environment is the foundation of our economy and society. Without healthy ecosystems, clean air, safe water and fertile soil, our ambitions in agriculture, industry, energy and health cannot be realised,” Mr Buah said.
He made the call in a speech read on his behalf at a public lecture organised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Accra.
It was on the theme: “Redefining environmental governance and climate action in Ghana: The role of EP Act 2025 (Act 1124)”.
In attendance were policymakers, traditional leaders, the private sector, academia, civil society groups and youth networks.
It featured a panel discussion that examined the Act’s mandate, climate action, enforcement, financing and accountability benchmarks for sustainable environmental governance.
New Act
The minister described the recently passed Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), as a “significant step forward”.
He said that would enable the country to confront emerging environmental risks, enforce compliance and integrate science and technology into sustainable solutions.
“Let us seize this moment to demonstrate that Ghana can lead by example in Africa, by ensuring that environmental governance and climate action are not obstacles to development, but essential pillars of a just, prosperous and sustainable future,” Mr Buah added.
He said, despite his outfit’s unwavering commitment, environmental governance must not be left to the EPA or the government alone, but must involve all sectors of society.
Significance
The Executive Director of EPA, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, described the passage of the EPA Act 1124 of 2025 as more than just a legislative milestone, but a bold statement of intent by the nation to place environmental governance, sustainability and climate resilience at the very heart of development.
“The urgency could not be greater; from climate-induced flooding and droughts to urban air pollution and plastic waste, Ghana faces environmental challenges that demand innovation, inclusivity and decisive action,” she stated in a speech read on her behalf by EPA’s Deputy CEO in charge of Operations, Prof. Michael Ayamga.
She called for the active participation of government, industry, MMDAs, academia, civil society, traditional authorities, the media and citizens to transform the law into a living framework that protects the environment, safeguards public health, and secures the livelihoods of future generations.
