The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is considering redeploying its specialised Zodiac patrol boat to bolster surveillance and protection of Ghana’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters as the country grapples with escalating water pollution and recurring flood disasters.
Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, disclosed that the Authority is exploring a strategic partnership with the Ghana Navy to operationalise the vessel, which has remained largely underutilised despite its critical environmental monitoring capabilities.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the Commodore Superintendent of the Western Naval Shipyard, Commodore Roger Bagoniah, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, Prof. Klutse said the visit formed part of efforts to assess the operational condition of the boat and determine the most effective framework for its deployment.
“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,” she said.
She explained that while the EPA has the regulatory mandate to safeguard the environment, it lacks the specialised technical capacity to operate the vessel.
“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 crew Zodiac boat was procured in 2014 to support offshore petroleum monitoring, environmental surveillance and rapid response to oil spill incidents. However, the vessel has remained largely idle in recent years.
Prof. Klutse said repurposing the boat for routine patrols and environmental enforcement would significantly strengthen the country’s capacity to monitor pollution, combat illegal activities affecting water bodies and improve emergency response along Ghana’s waterways.
Responding to the proposal, Commodore Roger Bagoniah welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the Ghana Navy’s readiness to support the EPA once the Authority finalises the operational framework.
According to him, deploying the vessel would not only enhance environmental protection but also ensure its optimal utilisation and prolong its operational lifespan.
As part of the EPA’s working visit to the Western Region, Prof. Klutse, accompanied by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Prof. Michael Ayamga and other senior management officials, also toured Takoradi Container Terminals, Ghacem and
Atlantic Terminal Services limited ATSL to assess compliance with environmental regulations and operational standards.
Earlier in the week, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson before travelling to Samreboi to assess the impact of the recent flooding that devastated parts of the community.
Prof. Klutse assured residents that the EPA would work with relevant stakeholders to implement measures aimed at reducing flood risks and preventing future environmental disasters.