News
Abide by regulations, ensure safety – EPA boss urges facility managers
The Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, has advised players in the building and construction sector to abide by regulations and ensure the safety of people, environment as well as the structures they build or manage.
He said, considering the dwindling levels of natural resources, architects, contractors and facility managers must utilise resources efficiently and consider alternative sources of energy such as solar when building.
Speaking at a forum in Accra on Wednesday to mark World Facility Management Day, he again tasked members of the Ghana Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IMFA-Ghana) to “champion the construction of green buildings, where energy usage is reduced to the barest minimum and avoid practices that impact the environment negatively.”
World Facility Management Day is to celebrate the contribution of Facility Managers and discuss other pertinent issues within the industry.
Tackling the theme: “The Role of the EPA in Shaping Sustainable Future in Ghana,” Dr. Kokofu maintained that building contractors must reserve spaces and adopt practices such, tree-planting and gardening to help replenish lost resources.
He further urged players in the built environment to preserve cultural and architectural heritage of demarcated areas and ensure people were not exposed to noise pollution, and other hazardous elements.
Highlighting the mandate of the EPA, the Chief Executive Officer called for collaboration as the Agency continued to take steps to protect the environment.
He said Facility Mangers had a role to play in protecting the environment and must promote “environmental sustainability” in their operations while working hard to bring on board people in the informal facility management sector.
Madam Regina Christiana Koomson, a Certified International Property Specialist, aslo indicated that buildings were “major contributors to pollution” hence the need for Facility Managers to get involved in sustainable development initiatives, especially that which related to recycling, reducing carbon pollution, among others.
She urged members of the association and stakeholders in the sector to “conduct audit of buildings” and ensure the use of eco-friendly materials.
Mr. Sampson Opare-Ayemang, President of IMFA-Ghana Chapter, commended members of the association for their efforts and urged the EPA to ensure contractors who built high-rise structures “provide space for waste segregation.”
By Ernest Nutsugah
Ghanaian cinema continues to break boundaries as Vibes The Movie has received an official nomination at the prestigious Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) in Toronto.
This latest international recognition is another proud moment for Ghana and a powerful testament to the creativity, originality, and global appeal of Ghanaian storytelling.
Directed by Big Ghun and starring Jeffrey Nortey, Vibes The Movie evolved from the hugely successful social media series, where the beloved characters Obolo Tui and Lil Pui captured the hearts of millions with their unique blend of rap, comedy, and relatable stories about the everyday struggles and ambitions of Ghanaian youth.
The film has already brought honour to Ghana on the international stage, most recently winning an Outstanding Achievement Award at the American Motion Pictures Festival in the United States.
The Chronicle noted that the film was recognized for its originality, craftsmanship, and storytelling impact among a competitive pool of global entries.
Now, with a nomination at TINFF in Canada, Vibes The Movie continues its remarkable journey from the streets of Accra to some of the world’s most respected film platforms.
The nomination underscores the growing global appreciation for authentic African stories and confirms that Ghanaian filmmakers are making a significant mark in international cinema.
As Vibes The Movie flies the Black Star high in Toronto, Ghana celebrates yet another cultural achievement that showcases the country’s talent, resilience, and storytelling excellence to the world
A prominent member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has broken silence on the deep-seated internal machinations within the party, warning that the continuous victimization of members could severely jeopardize unity ahead of the general elections.
In a post on the party’s internal democratic processes, the former National Entrpreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) boss, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah revealed how personal ambitions were stifled by party elites in the Asante Akyem Central constituency, despite overwhelming grassroots support.
According to the aggrieved party member, the decision to run for the parliamentary seat was not a self-serving agenda but a direct response to a call to service by the local constituents.
“My Asante Akyem Central people loved my politics and approached me to come and serve them as MP,” he stated.
He added that “But my own party elders blocked me and supported the incumbent MP to cheat through the system as if I was an outsider.”
The unfair playing field he revealed led to a massive financial distress. The stalwart disclosed incurring massive debts across two consecutive primary election cycles, alongside other personal challenges.
Despite the systemic sabotage, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah noted that he remained loyal, continuously defending both the NPP party and the government’s policies at all levels.
“Seeing what’s going on in the current polling station elections in several constituencies, it seems not much has changed,” he warned.
“The victimization of those who want to challenge current or former MPs should stop,” he stated.
With the general elections approaching, he cautioned,”You don’t treat party people anyhow and expect unconditional unity for the general elections.”
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
