The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a strong warning to mining companies across the country, cautioning that environmental permits will be revoked for operators who allow illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, within their concessions.
In a statement issued on Thursday April 23, the Authority stressed that it is enforcing its mandate under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504), which empower it to regulate and oversee all environmental and climate-related matters in Ghana.
The EPA said the laws place clear responsibility on concession holders to safeguard the environmental integrity of their operational areas.
The Authority expressed concern over the growing incidence of illegal mining activities taking place within legally acquired mining concessions.
“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,” the statement said.
Under the directive, mining companies are required to take immediate and effective steps to secure their concessions against illegal miners, establish robust monitoring and surveillance systems, and report any unauthorised activities to relevant state institutions without delay.
They are also expected to strictly comply with conditions outlined in their environmental permits, including approved Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Management Plans, while ensuring that their operations do not contribute to pollution or environmental damage.
The EPA warned that failure to meet these obligations constitutes a breach of permit conditions and will attract strict regulatory action. It indicated that it may suspend or revoke environmental permits, impose administrative penalties, and collaborate with security and other state agencies to enforce compliance where necessary.
As part of intensified enforcement measures, the Authority announced a nationwide compliance monitoring exercise targeting all mining concessions. The exercise is scheduled to begin on May 10, 2026, and will assess adherence to environmental standards and regulatory requirements across the sector. Mining firms have therefore been urged to take immediate corrective measures ahead of the inspection period.
“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,” the statement added.
The EPA reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and called on mining companies to demonstrate responsible stewardship in protecting the environment, as the government intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining and its associated environmental impacts.
