KEY POINTS
- NPP plans stricter water-use enforcement and ecological restoration initiatives.
- Party seeks private sector involvement in environmental projects.
- Policies align with Ghana’s Climate Change Master Plan.
Henry Kwabena Kokofu, a leading member of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) and part of its Manifesto Committee, has laid out an ambitious roadmap for environmental reforms, promising transformative changes if the party secures the next administration.
Speaking at the JoyNews manifesto debate on November 21, Kokofu identified deforestation, water pollution, and deteriorating environmental quality as critical challenges to Ghana’s ecological and socio-economic health.
While recognizing progress made under President Akufo-Addo’s administration—notably in waste management and composting—he emphasized the urgency for bolder, more innovative solutions to persistent environmental issues.
Transforming challenges into opportunities
“Our next administration will enforce rigorous environmental standards and compliance across all sectors to create a safer, greener, and cleaner Ghana,” Kokofu declared, reaffirming the NPP’s commitment to a comprehensive overhaul of environmental governance.
As a former Executive Director of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kokofu outlined a detailed strategy to address the degradation of water bodies—an issue central to the nation’s environmental challenges. Plans include robust measures such as river desilting and tree planting along waterways to restore ecological balance.
“This is not just an environmental initiative but also an economic opportunity,” he added, highlighting the party’s intent to engage the private sector in restoring degraded lands and natural resources, transforming environmental stewardship into a driver of business and employment.
Concrete actions for sustainable change
Key policy measures proposed by the NPP include stricter enforcement of water-use regulations, strengthening the water buffer zone policy, and safeguarding trans-border water resources such as the Volta River. Additionally, the party plans to enhance water basin management to secure both surface and underground water supplies for long-term sustainability.
These initiatives are firmly tied to Ghana’s Climate Change Policy Master Plan, which prioritizes environmental resilience and sustainable resource management. Kokofu emphasized that these measures are part of the NPP’s forward-looking and actionable approach to tackling climate change, ensuring that environmental policies drive both ecological and economic progress.
A timely call to action
Kokofu’s remarks come at a pivotal moment, as Ghanaian political leaders face increasing pressure from citizens and institutions to deliver measurable solutions to systemic environmental issues. These challenges—from climate change to resource degradation—are increasingly recognized as critical to the nation’s socio-economic development and climate resilience.
The NPP’s proposed reforms reflect a holistic vision for environmental stewardship, balancing ecological restoration with economic opportunities. As Ghana’s political landscape evolves, the party’s environmental agenda underscores its readiness to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.
