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The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued an urgent order for the immediate halt of all illegal mining activities around Ghana’s water bodies, highlighting the severe environmental and public health risks associated with the practice.
In a press release dated January 28, 2025, the EPA expressed grave concerns over the rampant illegal mining (galamsey) operations that have been devastating the country’s natural resources. These activities, particularly near water sources, have led to the contamination of rivers, the destruction of wildlife habitats, and posed significant risks to the health and well-being of nearby communities.
The EPA has invoked the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), specifically Sections 2 and 3b(ii), to demand that all individuals and entities engaged in illegal mining cease operations immediately. The statement stressed that the unchecked activities were endangering the country’s vital water resources and ecosystems.
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In response to the escalating crisis, the EPA has outlined a comprehensive plan to address the illegal mining issue. This plan includes intensified surveillance, the seizure of mining equipment, and prosecuting those found violating environmental regulations.
The EPA will work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), the Minerals Commission, the Water Resources Commission, and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the directive is effectively enforced.
“The environmental degradation caused by illegal mining is alarming, and immediate action is necessary to protect the nation’s water bodies and future generations,” said Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Acting CEO of the EPA.
The authority has pledged to carry out more inspections of mining sites, increasing oversight to ensure that illegal operations are brought to a halt. The EPA’s efforts aim to curb the widespread pollution of water bodies such as the Pra and Ankobra rivers, which are often targeted by illegal miners.
While illegal mining has been a persistent problem in Ghana, the EPA’s call for decisive action marks a crucial step toward tackling the crisis and restoring the country’s vital water resources.
The EPA reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible for environmental harm are held accountable, underscoring the importance of preserving Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
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