In a landmark move to decentralize environmental governance, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has inaugurated its first-ever district office in Dzodze, located in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region.
The newly established office is expected to bring EPA services closer to communities, making environmental regulation more accessible and responsive, especially in areas battling critical ecological challenges such as unregulated sand winning.
This milestone was made possible through a strategic collaboration between the EPA and the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, acting EPA CEO Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse said the establishment of the Dzodze office reflects the Authority’s commitment to extending its mandate under the Environmental Protection Act to the grassroots.
“Hon. Eric Edem Agbana approached us with a vision of greening Ketu North and requested our support,” Prof. Klutse revealed. “I informed him of EPA’s mandate, which allows us to establish district offices, but we often lack the resources to do so. Without hesitation, the MP pledged his support, and that is what has led us to this milestone today.”
She highlighted that the Dzodze office will simplify access to EPA services, such as obtaining environmental permits, previously a tedious process for many businesses in the area.
“There are businesses here, and most often acquiring EPA permits has been a challenge. With this office now closer, residents and entrepreneurs can comply with environmental regulations with greater ease,” she added.
Prof. Klutse also addressed one of the region’s most pressing environmental threats; unregulated sand winning.
“Sand winning is an environmental menace and must be checked. It falls within the purview of the EPA. Even if allowed, it must be done responsibly under EPA supervision,” she warned, urging the community to take full advantage of the new office to promote sustainable practices.
MP, Eric Edem Agbana, whose advocacy and support were instrumental in bringing the EPA office to Dzodze, echoed the call for stronger environmental protections.
“While illegal mining or ‘galamsey’ is a national crisis in mining regions, Ketu North faces its own version of environmental degradation through rampant sand winning,” he noted. “We must not underestimate the environmental destruction caused by uncontrolled sand winning.”
He stressed the need for regulatory oversight and sustainable practices to safeguard the environment for future generations.
“That is why I decided to support the EPA in establishing this district office here in Dzodze to ensure that our shared aspiration to protect and preserve the environment becomes a reality.”
As the first district office launched under the EPA’s broader decentralization agenda, the Dzodze branch is poised to become a model for expanding environmental governance across Ghana’s 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
