Ghana has taken a major step toward strengthening environmental governance with the passage of the Environmental Protection Bill 2024.
The bill consolidates existing laws, establishes new institutions, and introduces stricter environmental regulations to address pressing challenges like climate change and waste management
Key details
- Unified framework: The bill merges multiple laws, including the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act 2016, for streamlined oversight.
- New authority: It establishes the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to regulate, protect, and oversee environmental matters, including climate change responses.
- Stronger regulations: New rules target industrial emissions, deforestation, and waste management while promoting renewable energy and eco-friendly practices.
- Climate focus: The bill incorporates systems to enhance Ghana’s capacity to tackle climate change effectively.
What’s next
The bill awaits presidential assent to become law. Once enacted, it will empower the EPA to enforce the new regulations and oversee Ghana’s environmental policies.
