Royal Sweets Complying With EPA Directives

Royal Sweets Company Limited, the candy manufacturing company which was recently ordered to cease operations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to the emission of fumes at Akweteyman in Accra has said it is in full compliance.

“Royal Sweet Limited would like to state that we are in full compliance with these directives and have been since finalizing the works in December 2018 (documents available at our premises),” the statement signed by Jon Boafo said.

It, however, said that it was yet to complete installation of an effluent treatment plant which was among the directives given the company by the EPA.

“We are currently in the process of installing the effluent treatment plant which will be completed before the given date of 30 June 2019.”

The company, in trying to explain the situation suggested that it was not as alarming as had been earlier reported.

It said, its boiler emits smoke for only two minutes once a day for five days of the week and it was only between 5am and 5:30am and had also put in place measures to control air pollution.

“The boiler emits smoke for two minutes once a day, five days a week since it is not operational during the weekend and usually in the mornings between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM. In addition, an air pollution control system has been installed since December 2018 in compliance to the EPA's directive and we will continue to work closely with the EPA in order that we not only remain compliant but also to continually improve on our current set up,” the company said.

But the EPA believes that the company has more to do in ensuring that its operation does not pose a threat to the health of residents.

In the EPA's letter on Thursday, it said it had earlier written to the company urging it to among other things, install an effluent treatment plant, clean all oil spills in and around the RFO storage tank and install air pollution control system on the boiler but the company had failed to adhere to the directives on the corresponding dates they were expected to comply with.

Meanwhile, the company, which has been operating since 2001 with a staff strength of 85 says it is open to discussions with the various stakeholders in the community and to make available documents that prove that it is compliant.

“Royal Sweet Limited's values include respect, ethics, non-discrimination, giving back to the community and compliance to the laws and regulations set by all the statutory agencies. We deeply esteem the inhabitants located around our premises and are proud to have many of them as part of our staff,” the company indicated.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Okaikwei North Municipality, Boi Laryea has told Citi News that a committee had been set up to investigate reports of the air pollution.

He said the committee would present its report in two weeks.

“I'm putting together a committee. Until the committee comes out with its findings, I wouldn't know what to do now. I'm not a technical man,” he said.

The MCE said the report would help his outfit take a decision on the matter.

–citinewsroom