Minister paid surprise visit to two industries

Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation on Wednesday paid a surprise visit to two industrial companies in the Free Zones of Tema in the Greater Accra Region.

The Minister was accompanied by Mr Daniel Amlalo, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and officials from the Ministry, EPA and the Free Zones.

The visit is to randomly check on the companies to ensure that the required safety and environmental standards and the emission levels are comply by the companies.

Mr Ayariga said MESTI and Ghana in general is making Global commitment to reducing CO’2 emissions and in December Ghana would be participating and signing an environmental compact on the reduction of CO’2 emission in Paris, France.

He said most of the emission releases into the atmosphere are from the industrial sector, and the factories are expected to improve on their standards to meet the permissible emission level set by the EPA and internationally.

Mr Ayariga said the ministry and the EPA would always go round to industries to check on the standards and encourage them to install modern technological equipment that would meet the standards as well as protect lives and property.

He said the EPA would be organising environmental, safety and emission level standards orientation for some industries who did not meet the criteria and this will support them to in compliance.

The Minister said the emission level at the first company Rider Steel Ghana Ltd were unacceptable and that the management of the company has gave the assurance that by September 1, the company is expected to replace the equipment with modern technology that would meet the standards and emission level permissible by the EPA.

He however commended management of the second company, United Steel Company (USC) for meeting and complying with the standards and also for using modern technology equipment that would not release any emission into atmosphere installed in the factory.

Mr Fadi El Chami, Deputy Managing Director of the USC said the factory outfit would continue to improve on the environment, safe and emission standards to protect the environment.