The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has directed Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to shut down its factory operations with immediate effect following investigations into alleged air pollution and nuisance caused by its operations.
The EPA said the investigations were launched after it received several complaints from members of the public about alleged air pollution linked to the company’s activities.
According to the Authority, its investigations established that the company was releasing sustained visible particulate and gaseous emissions into the surrounding environment.
The EPA said the emissions could have negative implications for the environment, adjoining land uses and public health.
In a statement issued on September 14, the EPA said the investigations also uncovered several breaches of conditions attached to the company’s Environmental Permit.
The enforcement action was therefore taken under Section 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).
One of the breaches identified was the company’s failure to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns, contrary to Condition 9.1 of its Environmental Permit.
The EPA also said the company had failed to implement key requirements for controlling air pollution from its factory.
These included the installation of appropriate state-of-the-art pollution control systems on all pollution discharge units to ensure compliance with the Ghana Standard for Environment and Health Protection on ambient air quality and point-source or stack emissions.
The Authority further found that existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment at the facility were not being properly maintained to effectively reduce air pollution and ensure compliance with permissible limits for fenceline air quality and point-source or stack emissions.
The EPA has consequently ordered Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to cease its factory operations with immediate effect.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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