Cease Illegal Mining in Water Bodies Immediately- Acting EPA CEO
The newly appointed acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, has issued an order for all illegal mining activities in water bodies to cease immediately.
The order which is in accordance with Section 2 and 3b(ii) of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), was directed at all individuals and entities involved in illegal mining known as galamsey and other unauthorized operations in water bodies.
“Both small-scale and large-scale are instructed to cease all activities with immediate effect,” a statement by the Authority said on January 28.
Her team, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, will begin seizing equipment used in illegal mining operations in line with applicable laws; Intensifying surveillance and inspections of mining sites; and Prosecuting individuals and organizations found violating environmental laws.
Additionally, she encouraged all Ghanaians to report any illegal mining activities to the relevant authorities and the EPA hotline at 0506699466/0506694760.
This comes after she observed the alarming increase in mining activities within and around water bodies across the country.
In her communique, she emphasized that the action threatens the health of the country’s environment, the safety of citizens, and the sustainability of natural resources.
“Recent reports and inspections have revealed the ongoing devastation of mining activities in and around our water bodies, a practice that poses significant risks to our ecosystems, public health, and future generations.”
She therefore called for strict compliance with the environmental laws of Ghana, including obtaining the necessary permits and implementing sustainable mining practices that minimize environmental impacts.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
