Hon. Duah Anthony Bright Kojo, the Bono Regional Director of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has encouraged the Consecrated Persons gathered at the Pastoral Centre of the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani to celebrate Jubilee Year 2025, to work collaboratively to protect “our common home”.
The theme of his address, “The Care for the Environment: A Shared Responsibility,” resonated deeply with the audience, emphasising the collective obligation all bear in safeguarding the environment for future generations.
In his speech on January 31, 2025, Hon. Duah called for increased collaboration among government, religious groups, traditional leaders, private sector, and civil society to address pressing environmental challenges.
He highlighted the importance of sustainable practices, effective waste management, and conservation efforts to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity.
“The environment is not just the responsibility of a single group or government,” Hon. Duah said, ” stating, “It is a shared responsibility that requires all hands on deck. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring the planet remains habitable for future generations.”
Making reference to the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, Article 36, (clause 9), Hon Duah indicated that the State shall take appropriate measures needed to protect and safe guard the national environment for posterity; and shall seek cooperation with other states and bodies for the purpose of protecting the wider international environment for mankind.
He continued to educate the attendees laying emphasis on the importance the nation placed on the care for the environment and the role they played by the Assemblies as he quoted the act at the district level: “the Local Governance Act, 2016 (ACT 936) Section 12 subsection 3 paragraph (f) makes the assemblies responsible for the development, improvement and management of human settlements and environment in the district”.
He also mentioned that the Constitution on Article 41 (k); says it is our duty to protect and safe guard the environment.
The Bono Regional Director of EPA also outlined practical steps for citizens to contribute to environmental sustainability, such as reducing plastic usage, promoting tree planting initiatives, reducing domestic and industrial water wastage, and supporting renewable energy projects.
He stressed that meaningful change starts with individual actions that collectively make a significant impact.
In his lecture, Hon. Duah commended the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for their relentless campaign against illegal mining (Galamsey) that poses a great threat to human life as well as other living organisms.
“I will like to use this platform to commend the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference led by its President the Most Rev. Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani for their role in the fight against this canker.
According to him, the Bishops have been consistently vocal over the years about the environmental degradation caused by the illegal mining.
He urged the government to implement immediate and decisive actions against illegal mining, stressing the need to enforce existing laws and hold offenders accountable.
Quoting from the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, Hon. Duah emphasised the need to protect our environment. He called on the Church to sustain and promoted Arbor week celebration, which creates awareness about the need to plant more trees for safe and healthy environment.
The event was a key part of the Jubilee Year celebrations, which marked a milestone for Ghana’s progress and achievements over the years.
Hon. Duah’s lecture has sparked renewed enthusiasm among the attendees to commit to environmental preservation and advocacy, marking an important moment in Ghana’s ongoing journey toward sustainable development.
By Sr. Agnes Mercy Nyatsoe, SMMC and Sr. Esther Kutie, SVI (Sister Communicators)
