Authority cites sustained emissions, failure to install modern pollution controls and breach of environmental permit; company to remain closed until compliance
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered the immediate shutdown of Empire Cement Ghana Limited over severe air pollution and multiple violations of its environmental permit conditions.
The closure notice, dated September 14, 2026 and signed by the Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, was issued under Section 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).
According to the Authority, the action followed investigations into several public complaints about air pollution/nuisance from the company’s operations.
The EPA said its investigations revealed that:
1. Sustained emission* of visible particulate and gaseous pollutants into the ambient environment, with negative implications for adjoining land uses and public health.
2. Failure to submit quarterly environmental monitoring returns* in violation of Condition 9.1 of Environmental Permit No. EPA/MID/EMP/CU 859/25/1013/01/0042947
3. Failure to implement key permit conditions*, including:
– Failure to install appropriate State-of-the-Art pollution control systems to meet the Ghana Standard for Environment and Health Protection – Requirements for Ambient Air Quality and Point Source/Stack Emissions (GS 1236:2019) – in violation of Condition 5.1 (1)(a).
– Failure to keep existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment in good working condition, contrary to Condition 5.1(1)(h)(i).
– Failure to effectively maintain dust plants within the factory to prevent dust emissions, contrary to Condition 5.1(1)(h)(iv).
– Failure to ensure pollution control systems function at all times to meet GS 1236:2019 standards.
Based on the breaches, the EPA has directed the company, located at Community 11, Tema, to shut down factory operations with immediate effect.
The company is to remain closed until it:
i) Submits its quarterly environmental monitoring returns by 1st October 2026;
ii) Installs appropriate State-of-the-Art Air Pollution Control Systems that comply with GS 1236:2019;
iii) Ensures existing control systems and auxiliary equipment are in good working condition;
iv) Undertakes stakeholder engagement with the impacted community and submits an engagement report to the EPA.
The Authority further stated that Empire Cement can only resume operations upon successful installation of the required pollution control systems, subsequent inspection by the EPA, and written permission from the Authority.
The EPA warned that failure to comply may attract further enforcement action, including administrative penalties and additional regulatory sanctions under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2022 (Act 1080) and the Environmental Protection Act 2025 (Act 1124).
The closure notice was copied to the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, the Chief Executive of Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, and EPA regional and area offices.
The EPA reiterated that environmental compliance is not optional, stressing that protecting public health and the environment requires accountability and strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
