Minister stops contractor from work

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Akwasi Oppong Fosu

The Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon Akwasi Oppong Fosu has directed the contractor working on a private hotel Facility located at community nine (9) in the Tema Metropolis to stop work with immediate effect.

He gave the directive when he paid a working visit to the site after receiving a petition from residents about the harm the erection of the facility at the heart of the area would bring to them.

According the residents, the project site is the only open space in the area where all social gatherings including funerals, parties and meetings are held.

They also asserted that, the site serves as playing field for children in the community and as a result, should the project be allowed to continue, residents would suffer gravely.

Although the Tema Development Cooperation is reported to have granted permit for the project, the minister stated that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not conducted an environmental assessment impact of the project hence cannot be allowed to continue.

He urged residents to remain calm whiles measures are taken to resolve the issue amicably.

In a related development, the minister has also visited the Sakumono ramsar site located in Tema to ascertain the level of encroachment of the wetland.

Hon Oppong Fosu expressed worry about the unbridled level of encroachment on government lands by certain elements in society.

He assured of his ministry`s commitment to initiate programs to constantly educate the public on the need to protect and preserve wetlands which serves as homes for some species of birds and other aquatic animals.

The minister emphasised the need for the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations as a means to protect the environment for posterity.

Source: Christian Kpesese

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