The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to shut down its factory operations with immediate effect, citing alleged breaches of its environmental permit and concerns over air pollution.
In a closure notice issued by the EPA, the Authority says its investigations followed several public complaints about alleged air pollution and nuisance from the company’s operations.
The EPA says it found sustained visible particulate and gaseous emissions from the factory, with potential implications for the environment, adjoining land uses and public health.
The Authority also says the company failed to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns as required under its environmental permit.
According to the EPA, Empire Cement also failed to fully implement key conditions of its permit, including the installation and proper maintenance of appropriate air pollution control systems and dust-control equipment.
The EPA has directed the company to:
- Submit outstanding quarterly environmental monitoring returns by October 1, 2026;
- Install appropriate state-of-the-art air pollution control systems that meet the GS 1236:2019 emissions standard;
- Ensure existing pollution-control systems and auxiliary equipment are functioning properly; and
- Engage affected communities on the environmental impacts of its operations and submit a report to the EPA.
The Authority says Empire Cement cannot resume operations until the required pollution-control systems have been installed, inspected and approved in writing by the EPA.
The EPA has warned that failure to comply could lead to further enforcement action, including administrative penalties and other regulatory sanctions.
The closure notice was signed by Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority.
The EPA’s findings and allegations are contained in the closure notice, which was copied to
The Minister, Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology, Accra
The Chief Executive, Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, Weija.
The Director, EPA Greater Accra West Region, Amasaman.
The Head, EPA Weija Area Office, Weija
By Peter Quao Adattor/paqmediagh
