EPA Halts Motuary On River Bank

The Kumasi office of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has ordered a halt to the construction of a mortuary allegedly sited at the source of Asuo Kobri, a stream at Kobriso, Ejisu. The office warned that failure to comply with the order would result in a legal action against the owner of the private facility. The project, which was at the window level before the stoppage order, was allegedly being built without an EPA permit. Speaking to the Times here on Wednesday, Mr Kwame Omani-Opoku, Deputy Aslianti Regional Director of the EPA, said the office got wind of the project through a protest letter from members of the community. He said EPA's investigations revealed that the structure was being put up without its permit which together with the location compounded the offence and prompted the immediate 'Stop Work' order on February 21. The office also asked the owner of the project to submit all documents on it. The protest letter, which was copied to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the District Chief Executive, among others, said although the Kobriso community recognised the importance of a mortuary for Ejisu and its environs its location should not endanger the lives of the residents.