Mining firms to face penalties over illegal activity on concessions – EPA

The Environmental Protection Authority has issued a strong directive to mining companies across Ghana, warning that firms will face severe regulatory sanctions if they fail to prevent illegal mining activities within their concessions.

In a press statement released on Thursday, April 23, the Authority reaffirmed its legal powers under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025, and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025. It stressed that all licensed operators are legally obligated to protect the environmental integrity of their concession areas.

The EPA expressed growing concern over the increasing incidence of illegal mining—commonly known as “galamsey”—occurring within legally granted mining concessions. According to the Authority, this trend is significantly contributing to environmental degradation across the country.

Among the key impacts highlighted are the pollution of rivers and other water bodies, the destruction of forest reserves, and widespread land degradation. The EPA warned that these environmental harms are undermining national conservation efforts as well as the lawful operations of licensed mining companies.

In response to the situation, the Authority outlined a series of compulsory measures that all mining companies must implement without delay. These include strengthening security within concession areas to prevent illegal encroachment and establishing robust surveillance and monitoring systems.

Companies have also been instructed to promptly report all unauthorized mining activities to relevant state security and regulatory agencies. In addition, operators must strictly comply with all conditions attached to their environmental permits, including approved Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and Environmental Management Plans.

The EPA emphasized that preventing pollution and environmental degradation within operational zones remains a core legal obligation for all licensed firms.

The Authority warned that any failure to adequately protect concessions or control illegal mining activities will be treated as a breach of permit conditions. Citing provisions under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025, the EPA indicated it is prepared to take firm enforcement action against non-compliant companies.

Sanctions may include suspension or outright revocation of environmental permits, imposition of administrative fines, and coordinated enforcement operations in collaboration with state security agencies.

The EPA said this tougher stance reflects a broader shift toward stricter environmental governance as Ghana intensifies efforts to combat illegal mining and its associated environmental damage.

As part of its enforcement strategy, the EPA announced plans to conduct a nationwide compliance monitoring exercise across all mining concessions. The exercise is scheduled to begin on May 10, 2026, and will assess whether mining companies are fully adhering to environmental regulations and permit conditions.

Mining firms have been urged to take immediate steps to ensure full compliance ahead of the inspections, which the Authority described as comprehensive in scope.

The EPA reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting the country’s natural resources. It also called on mining companies to act responsibly and support national efforts to curb 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.