The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking a partnership with the Ghana Navy to reactivate its specialised Zodiac patrol boat as part of efforts to strengthen the protection of Ghana’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters from pollution and other illegal activities.
The move comes amid growing concerns over environmental degradation, illegal activities on water bodies and the increasing impact of flooding across parts of the country.
EPA Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, disclosed the plan during a courtesy visit to the Commodore Superintendent of the Western Naval Shipyard, Commodore Roger Bagoniah, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
She said the visit was aimed at assessing the condition of the Authority’s patrol boat, which has remained under the Navy’s custody for some time, while exploring ways to return it to active service.
“The primary purpose of our visit is to assess the condition of the EPA’s boat, which has been under your custody for some time, and to inform you that management is exploring options to deploy it in protecting Ghana’s water bodies,” Prof. Klutse said.
According to her, although the EPA has the mandate to protect the country’s environment, it lacks the specialised expertise required to operate the vessel, making collaboration with the Ghana Navy essential.
“As you know, the EPA does not have the technical expertise to operate the boat, but the Ghana Navy does. That is why we are exploring a collaboration that will allow the vessel to be deployed effectively for the benefit of Ghanaians and to advance environmental sustainability,” she added.
The eight-member Zodiac patrol boat was acquired in 2014 to support offshore petroleum monitoring, environmental surveillance and rapid response to oil spills. However, the vessel has remained largely inactive in recent years.
If redeployed, the boat is expected to enhance environmental monitoring, strengthen enforcement against illegal activities on water bodies, improve pollution surveillance and boost the country’s capacity to respond to environmental emergencies.
Responding to the proposal, Commodore Bagoniah welcomed the initiative and assured the EPA of the Ghana Navy’s readiness to support the project once operational arrangements are completed.
He said restoring the vessel to service would not only improve environmental protection efforts but also ensure the boat remains functional through regular use and maintenance.
The engagement formed part of the EPA’s working visit to the Western Region. During the tour, Prof. Klutse, accompanied by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Prof. Michael Ayamga and other senior management officials, also inspected operations at Takoradi Container Terminals, Ghacem and Atlantic Terminal Services Limited (ATSL) to assess compliance with environmental regulations and operational standards.
The EPA says the initiative reflects its broader commitment to strengthening environmental governance and protecting Ghana’s natural resources through closer collaboration with key state institutions.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
