The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is considering bringing back into service its specialised Zodiac patrol boat to step up efforts to protect Ghana’s rivers, lakes and coastal waters as the country battles increasing water pollution and recurring floods.
Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, said the Authority is exploring a partnership with the Ghana Navy to put the vessel back into operation. The boat has remained largely unused in recent years despite its important role in environmental monitoring.
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 was to inspect the condition of the boat and discuss the best way to get it back into 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,” she said.
She explained that although the EPA is responsible for protecting the environment, it does not have the technical skills needed 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 Zodiac patrol boat was acquired in 2014 to support offshore petroleum monitoring, environmental surveillance and rapid response to oil spills. However, it has seen little use in recent years.
Prof. Klutse said putting the boat back into operation for regular patrols and environmental enforcement would strengthen Ghana’s ability to monitor pollution, clamp down on illegal activities on water bodies and improve emergency response along the country’s waterways.
Responding to the proposal, Commodore Roger Bagoniah welcomed the initiative and assured the EPA of the Ghana Navy’s support once the operational arrangements are finalised.
According to him, using the vessel again would not only improve environmental protection but also ensure it is put to good use and remains in good working condition for years to come.
As part of the EPA’s working visit to the Western Region, Prof. Klutse, together with Deputy Chief Executive Officer Prof. Michael Ayamga and other senior management officials, also visited Takoradi Container Terminals, Ghacem and Atlantic Terminal Services Limited (ATSL) to assess compliance with environmental regulations and operational standards.
