Accra, Aug. 20, GNA - A new scientific product, Septonic, an enzyme activator capable of digesting latrine sludge and reducing odour from septic tanks and pit latrines was launched in Accra on Friday. Septonic, manufactured in Canada with its local distributors being Gentse Enterprise, when applied, dissolves the latrine into liquid and saves septic tanks from corrosion as well as protecting the environment from being soiled with raw sewage.

Dr Matthew K. Antwi, Deputy Minister, Environment and Science, introducing the product said: "It was not in the interest of government to continue to see people within communities suffer under the load of spilling toilets and suffocating odour, and once countries have curbed their environmental problems, Ghana could also achieve the same."

He, therefore, called on businesses to venture into science, technology and environment sectors where the Government was ready to accept partnership with them for an accelerated development.

Dr Antwi said Ghana as a developing country was faced with a myriad of environmental problems stretching from land and soil degradation, bush burning, high level of air, water and sea pollution with the associated plastic waste menace.

"The Ministry of Environment and Science, taking cognisance of the situation has opened its doors to all stakeholders who would be encouraged to assist in the alleviation of the environmental problems facing the country through the application of appropriate technology and sound environmental practices," he said.

He said the objectives of the Ministry were to integrate the needs of development, poverty alleviation through scientific research and a major public awareness creation for an informed and educated citizenry. The Minister paid tribute to the media for the support in promoting a healthy environment.

Mr Tom Dorkenoo, Senior Editor of the New Times Corporation, testified to the effectiveness of Septonic, which he said, he has been using consistently since 1991, through the intervention of a relation in the USA.

He said he came to know the product in 1989, when disaster struck at Osu- Amantra, where three children were burnt to death at a public toilet due to a built up of methane gas.

"This product is very useful by breaking down all gases and other bacterial growth, " he said.

Miss Sophia Asante, a representative of Gentse Enterprise, importers of the Septonic, said the product would give people living around public toilets and latrines a breath of fresh air, since all odours would be gone, once the product was being used.

"Besides its environmental friendliness, the use of Septonic also saves cost," she said, adding that District Assemblies stood to benefit if they used the product instead of procuring equipment for servicing entire communities.

Mr John A. Pwamang, Director Chemical Control of the Environmental Protection Council, who chaired the function, said the EPA had endorsed the product because it was environmentally friendly and conformed to the standards of the Country.