The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a warning to mining companies that failure to prevent illegal mining within their concessions will attract severe regulatory sanctions.
In a press release, the Authority reaffirmed its legal mandate under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025, stating that all operators are under a statutory obligation to safeguard the environmental integrity of their licensed areas.
The Authority expressed increasing concern over the rise of illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, within legally acquired concessions, highlighting that the trend is contributing significantly to environmental degradation across the country.
It further cited the impacts on the environment as the pollution of rivers and other water bodies, the destruction of forest reserves, as well as widespread land degradation, noting that these developments undermine both national environmental protection efforts and the lawful operations of licensed mining firms.
The EPA also outlined compulsory measures that all mining companies are expected to implement immediately.
Firms are required to strengthen the security of their concession areas to prevent encroachment by illegal miners, while also establishing robust monitoring and surveillance systems.
Also, companies must promptly report any unauthorised activities to the appropriate state authorities. Operators are to comply strictly with all conditions attached to their environmental permits, including approved Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Management Plans, as well as prevent pollution and environmental damage within operational zones, which is a core obligation.
The Authority has warned that any failure to protect concessions or curb illegal mining activities will be considered as a violation of permit conditions, signaling its readiness to take decisive enforcement action against offending companies.
Sanctions from the Authority may include the suspension or outright revocation of environmental permits, the imposition of administrative fines, and coordinated enforcement operations carried out in partnership with state and security agencies.
As part of its enforcement strategy, the EPA has revealed plans to undertake a nationwide compliance monitoring exercise across all mining concessions.
The exercise, scheduled to begin on May 10, 2026, will assess whether companies are adhering to environmental standards and regulatory requirements.
Mining firms have been urged to take immediate steps to ensure full compliance ahead of the inspections.
The Environmental Protection Authority reiterated its commitment to upholding environmental laws and protecting Ghana’s natural resources, calling on mining companies to act responsibly and support national efforts to combat illegal mining.
“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,” the statement concluded.
By Florence Asamoah Adom