Jeremiah Asumbere

Jeremiah Asumbere is a Principal Programme Officer and Environmental Quality Specialist at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ghana, where he focuses on freshwater and wastewater quality management, Air quality, Emissions and Noise monitoring. With over a decade of dedicated service within the agency, Jeremiah plays a pivotal role in advancing the EPA's mission of environmental quality monitoring, guideline formulation, and enforcement.

His expertise transcends national boundaries, as evidenced by his key roles as the focal point for Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) for UN-Water and SDG 6.3.1 reporting for UN-Habitat in Ghana. Notably, Jeremiah led a groundbreaking collaboration between UN Habitat and EPA, conducting vital research on wastewater volumes and pollutant loads discharged by industrial and municipal facilities in Ghana, aligning with global SDG indicators.

Currently, Jeremiah serves as a Water Quality Specialist for a World Bank project, where he contributes significantly to regulatory development concerning buffer zones, pollution control, and wastewater management. His leadership in freshwater quality monitoring, particularly in line with SDG 6.3.1 progress and reporting, underscores his expertise in the field.

Jeremiah's academic background includes a Master of Science (MSc) and Postgraduate Diploma (PG) in Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment from the University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. His research focused on Human and Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Pesticides at the Weija Reservoir in Greater Accra. Additionally, he also holds BSc. Chemistry degree from University of Ghana, Legon.

With extensive experience spanning over a decade, Jeremiah has been deeply involved in various environmental monitoring projects, encompassing air, water, soil, and noise quality. He is adept in operating a range of monitoring equipment and has received specialized training from renowned institutions such as the UN Environment, University of Denver, and the World Bank PMEH Programme.

Jeremiah has played instrumental roles in significant initiatives, including the reduction of sulphur levels in fuels and the elimination of lead from Ghana's fuels. His involvement in projects like the Accra Megacities Project and the University of York's air pollution measurement project in Kumasi demonstrates his commitment to addressing environmental challenges at both local and international levels.

Moreover, Jeremiah is actively engaged in mainstreaming climate change into all EPA activities and has contributed significantly to initiatives like the promotion of cleaner buses in Ghana, aligning with global efforts outlined in the Paris Agreement. He advocates for the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) technology in urban transport systems to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

In his current role, Jeremiah's responsibilities encompass a wide array of tasks, including air quality and noise monitoring, chemical speciation and analysis, as well as modeling and data analysis for emission inventories. He is dedicated to formulating policies, conducting research, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure effective environmental management and sustainable development.

Jeremiah Asumbere's unwavering dedication, extensive expertise, and leadership in environmental quality management make him an asset both nationally and internationally, driving positive change for the environment and communities alike.

Educational Background:

1. Master of Science (MSc) in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment (2021)
   • Research Topic: Human and Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Pesticides at the Weija Reservoir in the Greater Accra.
   • Institution: National University of Ireland-University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland.
2. Postgraduate Diploma (PG) in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment (2019)
   • Institution: National University of Ireland-University College Cork, Republic of Ireland       
3. Bachelor of Science (BSc.) Chemistry

• University of Ghana, Legon   

Work Experience:

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - 2012 to date

• Principal Programme Officer (PPO) (From January 2021 to date)
  • Responsibilities include providing technical and operational support in Environmental Quality Standards and Laboratory Services for the agency's mandate.
  • Leading Water Quality Monitoring, Planning and Analysis in Ghana
  • Led the development of Water Quality Monitoring Programme for the monitoring of Freshwater and wastewater quality Monitoring in Ghana

Professional Experience Summary

Principal Programme Officer, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Ghana

With over a decade of service at the EPA Ghana, Jeremiah Asumbere is a dedicated Principal Programme Officer specializing in Environmental Quality. His key responsibilities include managing freshwater and wastewater quality, air quality, emissions, and noise monitoring.

Key Achievements and Responsibilities:

Leadership in Environmental Quality Monitoring:

• Developed and implemented the Water Quality Monitoring Programme for freshwater and wastewater in Ghana.
• Played a pivotal role in significant initiatives, such as reducing sulfur levels and eliminating lead from fuels in Ghana.
• Led the freshwater quality assessment projects across various regions in Ghana (2015, 2017/2018, 2021).

International Collaboration and Reporting:

• Focal point for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) for UN-Water and SDG 6.3.1 reporting for UN-Habitat.
• Led a UN Habitat-EPA collaboration on wastewater volumes and pollutant loads research in Ghana.

World Bank Project Contributions:

• Currently serves as a Water Quality Specialist, contributing to the development of regulations on buffer zones, pollution control, and wastewater management.

Climate Change Initiatives:

• Actively engaged in mainstreaming climate change into EPA activities.
• Promoted cleaner bus technologies and the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in urban transport.

Research and Publications:

• Published peer-reviewed technical reports on wastewater and pollutant loads.
• Contributed to the Global Monitoring Plan (GMP2) Project National Report on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) in Ghana (2021).

Educational Background

• Master of Science (MSc) in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment
  • University College Cork, Ireland (2021)
  • Research: Human and Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Pesticides at the Weija Reservoir.
• Postgraduate Diploma (PG) in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment
  • University College Cork, Ireland (2019)
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry
  • University of Ghana, Legon

Training and Capacity Building

• Extensive training in environmental quality monitoring, laboratory practices, and management tools.
• Specialized training in air quality and noise monitoring, chemical speciation, and data analysis.
• Participated in numerous national and international workshops on environmental monitoring and pollution control.

Monitoring Activities

• Conducted compliance monitoring for over 500 freshwater locations and numerous mining companies.
• Led water quality assessments, pollution investigations, and baseline verifications.

Key Projects and Roles

• Accra Megacities Project: Contributed to air pollution measurement initiatives in collaboration with the University of York.
• Affordable Air Quality Monitoring Project: Served as a research assistant and data analyst.
• Soot-Free Bus Standards Promotion: Participated in drafting and implementing policies for cleaner public transport in Accra.

Professional Skills

• Proficient in using quantitative data analytical tools such as Excel, R, BENMAP-CE, LEAP-IBC Tool, and GEOS-CHEM Model.
• Skilled in policy formulation, research, and stakeholder collaboration for effective environmental management and sustainable development.

Jeremiah Asumbere's extensive experience, dedication, and expertise make him a valuable asset in advancing environmental quality management and sustainable development both nationally and internationally.

Summary of Education - Jeremiah Asumbere

Master of Science (MSc) in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment

• Institution: University College Cork (UCC), Republic of Ireland
• Year: 2021
• Research Topic: Human and Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Pesticides at the Weija Reservoir in Greater Accra.

Postgraduate Diploma (PG) in Freshwater Quality Monitoring and Assessment

• Institution: University College Cork (UCC), Republic of Ireland
• Year: 2019

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Chemistry

• Institution: University of Ghana, Legon
• Year: 2010

Highlights

Jeremiah Asumbere has a solid academic foundation focused on environmental sciences, with advanced qualifications from a reputable institution in Ireland. His education is specialized in water quality monitoring and assessment, with significant research on the impacts of pesticides on human and environmental health. His undergraduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Ghana further complements his expertise in environmental quality and monitoring.