In 2003, Ghana’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the World Bank initiated a project to promote public disclosure of environmental performance of industries. Ultimately, the project will establish a process for publicly disclosing the performance of mining and manufacturing companies with respect to environmental standards and compliance with environmental laws in Ghana. The pilot phase focuses on surface mining and activities resulting in discharge of effluent and particulate matter to the environment.
At the beginning of the project, the industries and the Agency agreed upon the environmental standards to be assessed. The companies will be colour-rated from best to worst with Gold, Green, Blue, Pink, and Red from top to bottom. The rating will be made known to the public and is expected to enhance the image of participating companies at local and international level. This will also brighten their chances with financial institutions.
This project will be replicated in all of Ghana’s manufacturing and mining industries after the pilot phase. It is expected that this approach will help Ghana to meet obligations of certain MEAs, including the CBD, UNFCCC, UNCCD, and the Basel Convention.
For more information, see http://www.epaghana.org or contact epaed@epaghana.org