The Executive Coordinator for Strategic Youth Network for Development (SYND) Chibeze Ezekiel urges responsible industrial development, calling for public access to environmental assessments and stronger accountability for potential health and environmental impacts.
According to him greater transparency and accountability in industrial projects is of great importance, warning that economic development must not come at the expense of local communities, workers and the environment.
He further indicated that, industrial projects could expose communities to environmental pollution, health risks and potential job losses, raising questions about who should be held responsible when people are adversely affected.
Speaking at a press briefing at SYND’s office in Accra, the Executive Coordinator Emphasized that, communities may experience significant changes to their livelihoods and living conditions when industrial activities begin, particularly where pollution affects air quality and residents experience health problems.
“If somebody is getting asthma or respiratory problems because of this project, how is that person going to be compensated?” Ezekiel asked, highlighting concerns about the potential health consequences of industrial emissions.
He reiterated that SYND was not opposed to industrial development or the establishment of companies but insisted that such projects must be implemented responsibly and with adequate safeguards for affected communities.
Adding “We are not against projects. We are not against building companies, but it should not be done to the detriment of the people.”
Call for Publication of Environmental Assessments
Ezekiel called on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to make environmental impact assessment reports publicly accessible, stressing that communities and civil society organisations need access to the documents to monitor projects effectively.
He questioned whether the relevant assessments had been published, arguing that public access to such information was essential for transparency and accountability.
According to him, making these reports available would enable stakeholders to examine the potential environmental and social consequences of industrial activities and assess whether appropriate safeguards were being implemented.
He added that withholding such information would undermine the public’s ability to scrutinise projects and hold responsible institutions accountable.
Calls for Responsible Investment
SYND’s recommendations Chibeze Ezekiel explained included specific requirements for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), CBI Ghana and other relevant project stakeholders, including BP, to address concerns about the environmental and social effects of industrial activities.
He emphasised that development finance should be accompanied by proper oversight to ensure that projects deliver economic benefits without placing an unfair burden on nearby communities.
The concerns underscore the importance of environmental transparency, public participation and effective accountability mechanisms in ensuring that industrial development protects livelihoods and public health.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
