The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a strong warning to mining companies operating in Ghana, cautioning that environmental permits will be revoked if concession holders fail to prevent illegal mining activities and environmental degradation within their operational areas.
In a public notice, the Authority stressed that mining firms have a statutory responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and related regulations to secure their concessions, monitor activities, and report any unauthorized operations. It expressed concern over the growing presence of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, on legally acquired mining lands.
The EPA directed all mining companies to strengthen surveillance systems, enforce strict environmental management practices, and ensure compliance with approved environmental impact and management plans. It further warned that failure to protect concessions or prevent pollution would constitute a breach of permit conditions, attracting sanctions.
The Authority announced that it will begin a nationwide compliance monitoring exercise on May 10, 2026, to assess adherence to environmental standards across all mining sites. It added that enforcement actions, including suspension or revocation of permits and administrative penalties, will be applied where necessary, as part of efforts to curb environmental damage and illegal mining activities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DIRECTIVE TO MINING COMPANIES ON PROTECTION OF CONCESSIONS AND NOTICE OF NATIONWIDE COMPLIANCE MONITORING EXERCISE
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), pursuant to its mandate under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504), hereby notifies all mining companies of their statutory obligation to ensure the protection, proper management, and environmental integrity of their concession areas.
The Environmental Protection Authority is mandated to regulate, protect, coordinate, and exercise general oversight responsibility over all matters relating to climate change and the environment, in accordance with the objects of the Authority as set out in the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulation 2025 (L.I. 2504).
The Authority has observed with concern the increasing incidence of illegal mining (galamsey) activities occurring within legally acquired concessions. These activities continue to cause significant environmental harm, including pollution of water bodies, land degradation, and destruction of forest reserves.
All mining companies are hereby required to:
a. Ensure the effective protection and security of their concessions against illegal mining activities;
b. Establish and maintain adequate monitoring and surveillance systems;
c. Promptly report any unauthorized or illegal activities within their concession areas to the relevant state institutions;
d. Comply strictly with all conditions attached to their environmental permits, including approved Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs);
e. Prevent environmental pollution and degradation within their operational areas.
The Authority emphasises that failure to protect concession areas or to prevent illegal mining activities constitutes a breach of environmental permit conditions.
In accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), the EPA will, where necessary:
a. Suspend or revoke environmental permits;
b. Impose administrative penalties;
c. Undertake enforcement actions in collaboration with relevant state and security agencies.
In furtherance of its mandate, the EPA will embark on a nationwide compliance monitoring exercise to assess and ensure adherence to environmental standards and regulatory requirements across all mining concessions. The exercise will commence on 10th May, 2026.
All mining companies are accordingly advised to take immediate steps to ensure full compliance prior to the commencement of this exercise.
The Environmental Protection Authority remains committed to the strict enforcement of environmental laws and calls on all mining companies to uphold responsible environmental stewardship in support of national efforts to combat illegal mining.
Protecting The Environment Our Collective Responsibility!
ISSUED BY:
PROF. NANA AMA BROWNE KLUTSE
Ag. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY
23RD APRIL 2026
