Environmental Protection Agency upgrades laboratory

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has refurbished its laboratory infrastructure to improve on its technical and analytical services and operations.

With the installation of modern equipment in the  laboratory, the agency will be able to undertake advanced scientific analysis of levels of pollutants in the air, water, soil and other biological examinations to enhance its monitoring activities.

The EPA is mandated to recommend standards and guidelines in relation to the pollution of the air, water, land and noise.

 It is also mandated to conduct studies, research, and analysis for the improvement and protection of the environment and the maintenance of sound ecological systems in the country.

Some of the equipment to facilitate the activities of the new laboratory include  a high volume air sampler, mercury gas, flue gas, exhaust smoke analyser and sound volume analysers.

Retooling 

The refurbishment forms part of a retooling exercise undertaken by the EPA as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations  this year to improve on its services and standards.

At a ceremony to inaugurate  the laboratory in Accra, the Executive Director of EPA, Mr Daniel S. Amlalo, said, “The EPA is going through a transformation to enhance its performance, relevance and impact as it prepares to wean  itself off government subvention”.

Therefore, he said, the agency was  in the process  of establishing two additional laboratories at Tema and Takoradi to complement the newly refurbished laboratory in Accra.

In addition, he said the agency, in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority and the Attorney’s General Department, was working to transform various guidelines  for standards, hence the need for the modern laboratories.

Commercialisation of laboratory

He also announced that the EPA was working to introduce measures to commercialise aspects of the laboratory services to generate its own revenue.

“The commercialisation will not affect our responsibilities towards protecting the environment and public health,” he assured.

 The Board Chairman of the EPA, Professor Vincent Nartey, said the board was considering a comprehensive plan for the continuous capacity building of the staff of the agency to improve and upgrade their skills.