Yako – On Friday morning, October 20, 2023, the High Commissioner of Passoré, Laurent K. Kontogom, formally installed Drissa Bancé as the new Provincial Director of Environment, Water and Sanitation (DPEEA) in Yako. The ceremony was attended by a wide array of dignitaries, including environmental partners, provincial directors, and military and paramilitary authorities of Passoré.

According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, Drissa Bancé, a water and forest inspector, has been tasked with the significant responsibility of implementing governmental policies concerning the environment, forests, wildlife, green economy, and climate change in the province of Passoré. The installation ceremony was conducted by the High Commissioner and was witnessed by various stakeholders in the environmental sector, including Drissa Bancé’s new team of collaborators.

Drissa Bancé was appointed to the position by the Council of Ministers on October 4, 2023. He succeeds Colonel Koudougou Kaboré, who led the department for approximately 5 years and 8 days. Upon taking office, Bancé acknowledged the extensive scope of his new role and assured the High Commissioner and his colleagues of his availability at all times and places, as required by his duties.

In his initial remarks, Bancé indicated that his primary focus would be on the management of forest and wildlife resources in Passoré province. He also emphasized adherence to the disciplinary regulations and the code of ethics within the paramilitary framework of water and forests in his jurisdiction.

The outgoing director, Colonel Koudougou Kaboré, expressed his gratitude to his former team, local populations, and other bodies in the province for their support during his tenure. Despite challenges stemming from national insecurity, Kaboré highlighted his contributions, including staff training and reforestation campaigns.

Colonel Kaboré has subsequently been appointed to the role of study manager at the General Secretariat of the Ministry of the Environment, Water and Sanitation, according to a decision made by the Council of Ministers on April 13, 2023.

The High Commissioner, along with the Regional Director in charge of the Northern Environment, Harouna Ouédraogo, praised the outgoing director's work and urged the new director, Drissa Bancé, to foster open dialogue and to be attentive and humble in his new role. They also called upon his team and the local populations to support him in accomplishing the tasks that lie ahead.