The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a strong warning to the general public, urging individuals and organisations to refrain from making cash payments directly to its monitoring and compliance officers during official engagements.
According to the Authority, all forms of payments due the EPA must follow approved channels, as any direct payment to officers in the field is illegal and could amount to extortion.
The warning comes amid ongoing monitoring and compliance enforcement activities being carried out by the Authority across the country.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, February 3, the Tema Regional Director of the EPA, Samuel Oteng, emphasised that the Authority does not permit its officers to collect money directly from members of the public under any circumstances.
He explained that there are clearly defined procedures for making payments to the EPA, all of which are designed to promote transparency and accountability.
“Nobody is supposed to pay any money to any EPA officer. If you are to pay any money to EPA, it should be at the bank. We will generate an invoice from the accounts department for you, you send it to the bank and it is paid through the Ghana.gov platform or pay by mobile money.
“We have been saying it all the time. Don’t give money to anybody, if you give money to somebody, that will amount to extortion.”
Mr. Oteng stressed that any officer found engaging in such practices would be acting outside the scope of their duties and would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He also cautioned members of the public against encouraging corruption by offering money to officers in an attempt to bypass regulatory requirements or sanctions.
The EPA Tema Regional Director further explained that payments to the Authority are processed only after an official invoice has been generated by the accounts department.
These payments must then be made through approved platforms, including designated banks, the Ghana.gov platform, or mobile money services linked to the government payment system.
The caution follows a public notice issued by the Environmental Protection Authority on January 8, announcing the commencement of a nationwide monitoring and compliance enforcement exercise.
The exercise is aimed at ensuring that businesses, industries, and individuals comply with environmental laws and regulations, including permit requirements and environmental protection standards.
As part of the enforcement exercise, EPA officers are expected to inspect facilities, verify permits, and assess compliance with environmental safeguards. The Authority says the exercise is not intended to harass businesses but to protect the environment and public health.
