EPA Launches Ghana’s Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (GOCEMS)

In a bid to tackle environmental pollution and its harmful impact on ecosystem services, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has unveiled the Ghana Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (GOCEMS), a real-time platform designed to improve environmental management and regulation.

At the launch, EPA CEO Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse highlighted that current monitoring methods in industrial facilities are often slow to detect pollution, hindering effective response. GOCEMS, developed in partnership with ECHT Environmental Service Limited, aims to change this by providing instant data on pollution levels.

Prof. Browne Klutse pointed out the serious health risks posed by environmental pollution—including air, water, and chemical contamination—such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as neurological and developmental problems in children. She described pollution as one of the planet’s “triple crises,” with industrial activities being a major contributor.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed praised the launch, noting that challenges around data quality and availability have long plagued pollution management in Ghana’s industrial sector. He explained that many industries struggle with the costs and resources needed for frequent pollution monitoring, a gap GOCEMS seeks to fill.

The system will monitor pollutants such as industrial effluents, air emissions (both point source and ambient), and noise levels using sensor technology aligned with Ghanaian standards. Data collected will be transmitted continuously to an EPA control room, enabling rapid detection of pollution spikes that might be missed by traditional periodic checks.

Dr. Muhammed emphasized that this real-time feedback is vital for prompt action to safeguard public health, reduce environmental risks, and improve pollution control efforts nationwide.