The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered all individuals and entities engaged in illegal mining, whether on a small or large scale, to cease their activities immediately. The directive comes amid growing concerns over the widespread destruction of the country’s water bodies caused by illegal mining operations.
The EPA warned that these unlawful activities pose severe threats to the environment, public health, and Ghana’s natural resources. In a statement issued on January 28, the agency emphasized that all mining operations must adhere to Ghana’s environmental regulations, which require obtaining the necessary permits and adopting sustainable practices to mitigate environmental damage.
To enforce this directive, the EPA has partnered with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), the Minerals Commission, the Water Resources Commission, and security agencies. Measures include the confiscation of machinery used in illegal mining and intensified monitoring and inspections of mining sites to ensure compliance.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the nation’s water bodies, the EPA urged the public to report any illegal mining activities.