Guard Your Concessions from Galamsey and Pollution- EPA to Mining Companies
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has charged mining companies to take responsibility for their entire concession, guarding against illegal mining activities and pollution.
In a notice, it directed all mining companies to ensure the effective protection and security of their concessions against illegal mining activities; establish and maintain adequate monitoring and surveillance systems; and promptly report any unauthorised or illegal activities within their concession areas to the relevant state institutions.
In addition, the companies are encouraged 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 environmental pollution and degradation within their operational areas.
The Authority emphasised that failure to protect concession areas or to prevent illegal mining activities constitutes a breach of environmental permit conditions and will attract sanctions, including suspension or revocation of environmental permits, and imposition of administrative penalties.
The EPA intends to also undertake enforcement actions in collaboration with relevant state and security agencies.
In furtherance of its mandate, the EPA says it will embark on a nationwide compliance monitoring exercise to assess and ensure adherence to environmental standards and regulatory requirements across all mining concessions effective May 10, 2026.
“All mining companies are accordingly advised to take immediate steps to ensure full compliance prior to the commencement of this exercise.
“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.”
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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