Environmental Protection Agency

Also known as: Municipal Director of the Environmental Protection Agency

Environmental Protection Agency — regulatory agency overseeing food safety, mining compliance, waste management and environmental protection in Ghana.

2026-04-272026-09-20

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

August 2026
28 AugThe Chronicle
… She pointed to ongoing public education by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including a campaign in Kumasi, as part of preparations for implementation. …
Editorial: A Styrofoam Ban Is Necessary, But It Must Be More Than A Ban
28 AugJoy Online
… Dr Bawumia linked the proposed bank to a broader set of reforms, including decentralising the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to all mining districts. …
Supporting small-scale miners to become medium-scale miners key to tackling galamsey menace – Bawumia
27 AugJoy Online
Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to maintain the January 1, 2027 deadline for the ban on the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam product …
Maintain January 2027 deadline for Styrofoam ban – Zanetor urges EPA
27 AugThe Chronicle
… She pointed to public education being undertaken by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ahead of the ban, citing a recent awareness campaign in Kumasi as evidence of preparations towards its implementation. …
Zanetor supports ban on Styrofoam
27 AugThe Chronicle
… Agyeman-Rawlings said she would also work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the process of understanding existing interventions and improving coordination among institutions. …
Financial Benefit Must Not Be Out of Sync With Ghana’s Development Agenda— Zanetor
27 AugJoy Online
… Dr Agyeman-Rawlings said the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an important role to play in addressing hazardous waste and preventing toxic substances from contaminating water bodies, particularly groundwater. …
Landfills must have non-permeable bases to prevent groundwater contamination – Zanetor
27 AugJoy Online
… He specifically mentioned the need to engage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Minerals Commission and support efforts to strengthen their capacity to monitor mining activities. …
Ayariga calls for stronger engagement with mining regulators
27 AugJoy Online
… He proposed that the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) be adequately resourced and staffed with technical personnel who can operate within districts where mining activities are taking place. …
Deploy mining engineers to every district to strengthen mining regulation – Ayariga
27 AugJoy Online
… He proposed increased investment in the Environmental Protection Agency and the Minerals Commission to give the institutions the personnel and technical capacity needed to monitor mining sites across the country. …
Miners must reclaim degraded lands after operations – Mahama Ayariga
26 AugThe Chronicle
… He said the project had received approval from the Ministry of Communication and had also undergone assessment by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). …
Mast Project: New Juaben South MCE Calls For Calm

Mining & Energy

Western Regional Security Council mediates Betterland mining dispute

The News

The Western Regional Security Council has intervened in a dispute over Betterland Ghana Limited's mineral exploration and proposed transition to large-scale mining at Gwira Banso in Nzema East Municipality. The dispute centres on concerns about mining's impact on the Draw River Forest and livelihoods, with community divisions over whether large-scale mining would bring needed jobs and development.

11 hours ago · Joy Online →

Yesterday

Western Regional Security Council mediates Betterland mining dispute
The Western Regional Security Council has intervened in a dispute over Betterland Ghana Limited's mineral exploration and proposed transition to large-scale mining at Gwira Banso in Nzema East Municipality. The dispute centres on concerns about mining's impact on the Draw River Forest and livelihoods, with community divisions over whether large-scale mining would bring needed jobs and development.
11 hours ago · Joy Online →

Friday 18 September

Ghana launches five-year plan to reduce heavy metals in food
Ghana has launched a National Strategic Plan for Heavy Metals Reduction in Food (2026–2030) aimed at reducing exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic, which can enter the food system through environmental contamination, agricultural practices, food processing and packaging. The plan seeks to strengthen food safety regulation, surveillance, laboratory capacity, industry compliance, research and public education, with Deputy Health Minister Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah stressing the importance of coordination among food-safety institutions and noting that safer food would protect public health and improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian products.
18 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 11 September

PURC assures no compromise on Kpeve Headworks protection
The Public Utility Regulatory Commission's Executive Secretary says the Commission will not compromise on its responsibilities regarding the Kpeve Headworks after a resort development nearby sacrificed buffer zone requirements and affected water supplies to communities including Ho. A PURC team visited the site and observed the developer constructing an embankment to protect the intake point, but noted that more work is needed.
11 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 3 September

Two arrested for transporting cigarettes and suspected cyanide
Bono East Regional Police arrested two persons after intercepting a vehicle in Jema on 1 September 2026, discovering 321 boxes of foreign cigarettes, 100 containers of suspected sodium cyanide, and various food items. The EPA and GSA have taken samples of the suspected cyanide for laboratory analysis.
3 September 2026 · The Chronicle →
Police intercept vehicle with contraband, cigarettes in Bono East
The Bono East Regional Police, in collaboration with headquarters in Accra, intercepted a Kia Rhino vehicle on September 1 transporting suspected contraband from Nalerigu to Kumasi. The search recovered 321 boxes of foreign cigarettes, bags of agricultural products, and 100 containers of suspected sodium cyanide; the driver and mate were arrested.
3 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 1 September

KNUST study warns sea defences shifting coastal flooding risks
A three-year KNUST study found worsening coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion along Ghana's eastern coastline, with sea defence systems in some areas redirecting tidal impacts toward unprotected communities. Researchers documented land losses exceeding 103 metres and saltwater penetration more than 1.3 kilometres inland, and are calling for stronger coastal monitoring and early warning systems.
1 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Opinion: waste trafficking harms Ghana's health and environment
A commentary examines waste trafficking in Ghana as a climate and health hazard, noting that while human activities contribute most post-industrial greenhouse gas emissions, Ghana and other African nations contribute less than 5% of global emissions.
1 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 31 August

EPA accumulated fund surges to GH¢375m in single year
The Environmental Protection Agency more than tripled its accumulated fund from GH¢110.59 million in 2024 to GH¢375.19 million in 2025, driven by retained operating surpluses and improved financial performance, according to the State Interests and Governance Authority.
31 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Minister for Environment, Science and Technology faces high expectations
Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, daughter of former President Jerry John Rawlings, was sworn in as Minister for Environment, Science and Technology on 29 August 2026. Her appointment carries symbolic weight and scrutiny, with citizens viewing her as either a continuation of a family legacy or a test of whether she can succeed independently in one of Ghana's most difficult ministries.
31 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 28 August

MP grills environment minister nominee on mercury, plastic waste
During ministerial vetting, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh questioned Minister-designate Dr. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings on environmental challenges including mercury pollution from small-scale mining, plastic waste management, landfill pollution, carbon trading, and climate finance, demanding practical solutions rather than theoretical explanations.
28 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Editorial backs January 2027 Styrofoam ban deadline
Environment Minister-designate Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has affirmed Ghana's January 1, 2027 deadline for banning polystyrene foam products, citing environmental dangers and noting ongoing public education efforts. The editorial supports maintaining the deadline while emphasizing that the ban must go beyond enforcement to include behaviour change through incentives and penalties.
28 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Bawumia proposes formalizing small-scale miners to combat illegal mining
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has proposed that Ghana formalize, incentivize and support small-scale miners to grow into medium-scale operators as a solution to tackling illegal mining. He noted that small-scale miners now produce more than 52% of Ghana's gold and argued that providing them with access to affordable finance, modern equipment, geological data and security of tenure would enable them to scale up, employ more people, pay more royalties and adopt more environmentally responsible mining practices.
28 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 27 August

Minister-designate backs January 2027 styrofoam ban deadline
Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology, has urged the EPA to maintain the January 1, 2027 deadline for banning the production, importation, distribution, sale and use of polystyrene foam products, citing significant environmental risks and Ghana's waste management challenges.
27 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Zanetor backs Styrofoam ban deadline for January 2027
Environment, Science and Technology Minister-designate Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has supported the January 1, 2027 deadline for banning polystyrene foam products, citing environmental risks and the need to address Ghana's waste management challenges. She told Parliament's Appointments Committee that public education by the Environmental Protection Agency is underway to prepare for the ban's implementation.
27 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Carbon trading gains must align with Ghana's development agenda
Environment minister designate Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has urged caution in Ghana's participation in carbon markets, stating that financial benefits from carbon trading must be consistent with the country's development agenda. She noted that Ghana has signed bilateral carbon agreements with Switzerland and Sweden, but warned that the country must ensure it does not mortgage its domestic development space through such trades.
27 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Minister-designate calls for non-permeable landfill bases
Minister-designate for Environment, Science and Technology Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has called for mandatory non-permeable bases at landfill sites to prevent leachate from contaminating soil and groundwater.
27 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Ayariga calls for stronger government-regulator collaboration on mining
Minister-designate Mahama Ayariga has called for stronger collaboration between government and mining regulators, including the Environmental Protection Agency and Minerals Commission, to ensure small-scale mining is conducted legally and responsibly. He pledged to prioritise engagement with relevant agencies to improve monitoring and compliance, and emphasised the importance of environmental reclamation by mining operators.
27 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Minister calls for mining engineers in every district
Mahama Ayariga, Minister-designate for Local Government, has called for the deployment of mining engineers to every district to strengthen monitoring and regulation of small-scale and artisanal mining activities and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
27 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Miners must restore degraded lands, says minister-designate Ayariga
Mahama Ayariga, minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, says small-scale miners must be required to restore lands affected by their operations. He proposed increased investment in the Environmental Protection Agency and Minerals Commission to strengthen monitoring of mining activities across the country.
27 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 26 August

MCE urges calm over telecommunications mast at Koforidua lorry station
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben South has appealed to drivers and traders at the Koforidua-Kumasi Lorry Station to remain calm over plans to construct a telecommunications mast there. The MCE said the location was selected based on technical assessments by engineers from African Towers Company and is the only site with sufficient signal strength to serve the area.
26 August 2026 · The Chronicle →

Friday 21 August

Committee explains Adamus Resources mining lease revocation
A Ministerial Review Committee established by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister found that Adamus Resources Limited's mining lease revocation was driven by the company's failure to meet statutory financial obligations, including GHS86.78 million in royalties arrears, GHS119.04 million in tax arrears, and US$2.56 million in annual payments owed to the Minerals Commission.
21 August 2026 · The Chronicle →

Wednesday 19 August

FDA's handling of chemical fruit-ripening abuse raises food safety concerns
An editorial critiques the Food and Drugs Authority's response to alleged misuse of chemicals—including acetylene and improper ethylene application—for fruit ripening in Ghana, questioning the adequacy of enforcement action after the Deputy Chief Executive could not immediately provide details of sanctions taken against identified offenders.
19 August 2026 · The Chronicle →

Tuesday 18 August

Ghana hosts regional talks on implementing climate adaptation plans
Ghana brought together officials from Kenya, the Netherlands, and South Africa for a three-day meeting to explore how to translate national climate adaptation plans into practical action, with financing, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement identified as key priorities.
18 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Author disputes GWL's rebuttal on turbidity data access claims
The author clarifies that he did not claim the Presidency directed Ghana Water Limited to withhold river turbidity data, but rather that senior GWL sources cited fear of victimisation and direct warnings against sharing the data. The author disputes GWL's characterisation of his original comments as fictitious.
18 August 2026 · Joy Online →
GWL clarifies it does not hold official river turbidity data
Ghana Water Limited said it is responsible for treating and supplying potable water to urban populations, but does not hold official turbidity data on natural river bodies—such monitoring falls to the Water Resources Commission and Environmental Protection Agency. GWL said it conducts its own turbidity tests for water treatment purposes and can shut down plants when raw water quality exceeds safe thresholds, but rejected claims that the Presidency directed it to withhold river data.
18 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 17 August

NPP's new Ashanti chairman visits defeated rival, urges unity for 2028
Newly elected Ashanti NPP Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah visited his election contender Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu to promote party unity following Saturday's regional elections, where Appiah secured 663 votes to Kokofu's 269. Appiah said unity is essential for the NPP to regain power in 2028 and pledged to pursue reconciliation across all party levels.
17 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 15 August

COKA wins NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman election decisively
Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) has been elected Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, polling 658 votes against Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu's 269 votes in the August 15, 2026 election. COKA's victory marks a comeback after a previous defeat by former Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako.
15 August 2026 · The Chronicle →
Odeneho Kwaku Appiah elected NPP Ashanti Region chairman
Odeneho Kwaku Appiah won the New Patriotic Party's regional executive elections in Ashanti with 663 votes, defeating former EPA chief Henry Kwabena Kokofu's 269 votes. The newly elected leadership is expected to lead the party's mobilisation and restructuring efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
15 August 2026 · Joy Online →
NPP Ashanti Region elects 11 regional executives with 1,020 delegates
The New Patriotic Party in Ashanti Region held elections on August 15 with 1,020 delegates voting to choose 11 regional executive positions from 34 aspirants. The most competitive race was the regional chairmanship contest between Odeneho Kwaku Appiah and Dr Henry Kwabena Kokofu.
15 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 14 August

Access Bank Ghana certified as carbon credit broker
Access Bank (Ghana) Plc has been authorised by the Carbon Market Office to operate as a carbon credit broker in Ghana, enabling it to facilitate and intermediate transactions involving carbon credits and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes. The bank joins a select group of institutions authorised to participate in Ghana's regulated carbon market and will provide carbon market advisory services alongside its existing green and sustainability-linked lending offerings.
14 August 2026 · Joy Online →