UNDP

The challenge

Heavy paper loads and slow decision-making

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ghana plays a critical role in safeguarding the country's natural resources by ensuring that all environmental activities comply with regulatory standards. However, the agency faced significant challenges in managing its environmental permitting processes, which affected its overall efficiency and credibility.

One of the core issues was the heavy reliance on manual, paper-based systems. Permit applications were submitted on paper and passed through several departments physically, resulting in long processing times, lost documents, and poor visibility over case progress. The system was simply not scalable for the increasing volume of applications, which numbered over 15,000 annually.

Furthermore, the lack of digital tools and data integration hindered informed decision-making and made it difficult to enforce environmental regulations effectively.

The benefits of going paperless

Efficiency: Reduce the time spent managing documents, approvals, and correspondence.

Compliance: Ensure regulatory adherence with built-in audit trails and secure access controls.

Agility: Respond quickly to policy changes or urgent issues with real-time updates.

Sustainability: Cut down on paper use, printing, and storage—supporting green government goals.

The solution

Permitting done digitally

To address these pressing challenges, the EPA adopted a comprehensive digital permitting solution provided by cBrain. The goal was to replace inefficient manual processes with a streamlined, fully digital platform capable of handling the entire permitting lifecycle from application to final approval.

The cBrain solution introduced a centralized digital portal where applicants could submit permits online, track their progress, and receive real-time status updates. This not only simplified the process for applicants but also improved transparency and accountability across the board. No longer reliant on physical documentation, the EPA could now manage cases from anywhere, at any time.

The platform’s built-in automation features enabled faster review cycles. Tasks that previously required days of manual handling, such as validating forms, routing documents to the right personnel, or scheduling inspections, were now completed instantly using automated workflows. This significantly reduced errors and ensured that no step was missed.

Advanced analytics and AI-powered decision-support tools helped EPA staff analyze complex environmental data quickly and more accurately. These insights provided a clearer picture of permit trends, compliance gaps, and areas where internal processes could be optimized. Collaboration tools also allowed departments to work together more efficiently, breaking down silos and improving coordination with other regulatory bodies.

Importantly, the system was designed to be secure, transparent, and user-friendly. It empowered the EPA to better enforce regulations, respond more quickly to environmental risks, and regain the trust of stakeholders through consistent, timely, and predictable service delivery.

Experience

The result

A faster, more transparent permitting process across Ghana

Within just four months, the digital permitting solution went live, and the intent is to deploy it across all 16 regions in Ghana, making it a truly national rollout. The impact has been immediate and significant.

Permit processing times have already been cut, allowing businesses and individuals to move forward with their projects faster and with greater clarity. The EPA now has real-time visibility into over 15,000 active permits and can track each case’s progress, ownership, and compliance history from a single interface.

By replacing manual paperwork with automated workflows, the agency has reduced the risk of lost files, delays, and inconsistencies. Staff efficiency has increased, while internal coordination has improved dramatically. And with digital records easily accessible, the agency can now ensure better enforcement and data-driven environmental governance.

Most importantly, this transformation supports the EPA’s broader mission, which is to ensure a healthier, cleaner environment for today’s citizens and future generations. With cBrain’s digital permitting solution, the EPA in Ghana has taken a bold step toward modern, transparent, and effective environmental regulation.

Want to know more?

Looking to promote sustainable development in Africa? Look no further than the UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa!

We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to working with local communities, governments, and organizations to co-create innovative solutions that address the unique challenges faced in the region.
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