The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered Empire Cement Ghana Limited to shut down its factory operations with immediate effect following investigations into sustained air pollution and multiple breaches of its environmental permit.
In a closure notice dated 14 September 2026 and signed by Acting Chief Executive Officer Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the Authority cited violations of Section 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and conditions attached to Environmental Permit No. EPA/MID/EMP/CU 859/25/1013/01/0042947.
The statement announced that the EPA acted after receiving several public complaints about alleged air pollution and nuisance from the company’s operations.
Investigations confirmed sustained emission of visible particulate and gaseous pollutants with negative implications for the environment, adjoining land uses and public health.
The Authority found that Empire Cement had failed to submit its required quarterly environmental monitoring returns, in breach of Condition 9.1 of the permit schedule.
The closure notice also determined that the company had not installed appropriate state-of-the-art pollution control systems on all discharge units to meet the Ghana Standard for Environment and Health Protection – Requirements for Ambient Air Quality and Point Source/Stack Emissions (GS 1236:2019).
“Existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment were not maintained in good working condition, and dust plants were not effectively managed to prevent or minimise emissions into the external environment,” the statement said.
The notice directs the company to remain closed until it completes steps including submission of outstanding quarterly environmental monitoring returns by 1 October 2026 and installation appropriate state-of-the-art air pollution control systems that achieve compliance with GS 1236:2019.
The management of Empire Cement have also been instructed to ensure all existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment are in good working order and meet permissible limits for fenceline air quality and point-source emissions and also conduct stakeholder engagement with the impacted community on the effects of its operations and proposed mitigations, and submit an engagement report to the EPA.
“Empire Cement must notify the Authority upon completion of the pollution-control installations so that inspectors can verify compliance. The company may resume operations only after installing systems that meet the emissions standards of GS 1236:2019 and receiving written permission from the EPA,” the statement instructed
The EPA also stated that it may consider sanctioning Empire Cement if it fails to comply with the directives.
Punishments to be meted out, the EPA said may include administrative penalties and additional regulatory sanctions under the permit conditions, the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080) and the Environmental Protection Act 2025.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
