Wednesday, 4 November 2026

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Wednesday, 4 November 2026

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Ghanaian press · Organization

Environmental Protection Agency

Also known as: Municipal Director of the Environmental Protection Agency

Environmental Protection Agency — Ghana's environmental oversight body working to enforce environmental standards, regulate mining compliance, and manage waste and pollution issues.

2026-04-272026-11-04

News reports

Order a long-term news report on Environmental Protection Agency

Every mention in the Ghanaian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

August 2026
31 AugJoy Online
… The Environmental Protection Agency warns that 60% of Ghana’s water bodies are seriously polluted, rendering many treatment plants ineffective. …
A Minister under watch: Zanetor’s burden of expectations
28 AugThe Chronicle
… She explained that practical monitoring would require the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct spot checks, including unannounced inspections and testing. …
Annoh-Dompreh Grills Zenator On Plastic Waste , Climate Finance
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

Agriculture & Land

Illegal mining threatens Ghana's diplomatic ties with neighbours

The News

Environment Minister Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings warned that escalating illegal mining activities in Ghana are threatening diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries through pollution of shared river systems such as the Tano and Bia, and that illicit proceeds from these activities are allegedly being used to finance violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel region.

3 November 2026 · Joy Online →

Yesterday

Illegal mining threatens Ghana's diplomatic ties with neighbours
Environment Minister Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings warned that escalating illegal mining activities in Ghana are threatening diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries through pollution of shared river systems such as the Tano and Bia, and that illicit proceeds from these activities are allegedly being used to finance violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel region.
3 November 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 29 October

Ghana risks missing 2030 methane emissions reduction target
Ghana is at risk of missing its target to cut methane emissions from the waste sector by 30 percent by 2030, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly has warned, citing funding shortfalls and weak waste collection as obstacles.
29 October 2026 · Joy Online →
GAYO, AMA convene roundtable on Accra methane reduction strategy
The Green Africa Youth Organization and Accra Metropolitan Assembly held a roundtable to secure government and funder commitment to Accra's plan to cut methane emissions from waste by at least 30 percent by 2030, primarily through converting organic waste into compost and biogas rather than landfill disposal.
29 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 28 October

Environment minister urges mining firms to protect host communities
Ghana's Environment Minister Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has called on mining companies to comply with environmental laws and prevent host communities from bearing the consequences of pollution, deforestation and land degradation. She expressed hope that the expanded mandate of the Environmental Protection Agency will strengthen oversight and compel mines to adhere to required environmental standards.
28 October 2026 · The Chronicle →

Tuesday 27 October

Eco-Conscious Citizens director urges Mahama to reaffirm mining licence requirements
Awula Serwah, Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, has urged President Mahama to publicly reaffirm legal mining requirements, warning that recent comments by Ghana Gold Board CEO risk signalling to small-scale miners that they can operate without proper licensing. She cautioned that such signals could undermine anti-illegal mining efforts and stressed that mining licences are essential alongside other regulatory approvals to prevent pollution and environmental destruction.
27 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 26 October

Savannah Region prepares Styrofoam ban enforcement from January 2027
The Savannah Regional Minister has reaffirmed the region's commitment to enforcing a nationwide ban on Styrofoam products from January 1, 2027, with production, importation, distribution, sale and use prohibited after the deadline. The enforcement aims to protect the environment, improve public health, reduce flooding and preserve tourism potential, with regional authorities, MMDAs, the EPA, police and customs set to ensure compliance.
26 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 22 October

iNTTA Expo Day 2 explores investment in Ghana tourism, energy, agribusiness
The second day of the iNTTA Expo in Cape Coast focused on investment opportunities in tourism, hospitality, energy infrastructure, digital finance, real estate, agribusiness and health tourism, designed to connect investors with businesses seeking capital and transform Ghana's tourism potential into commercial ventures.
22 October 2026 · Joy Online →
EPA warns Savannah residents against destructive environmental practices
The EPA's Savannah Regional Director has cautioned stakeholders to exercise restraint in their environmental practices, citing rampant illegal sand and gravel mining, tree felling, illegal mining, and commercial charcoal production in the region. He pledged the EPA's readiness to work with institutions and community leaders to curtail these activities.
22 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Minister urges mining companies to comply with environmental laws
The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology urged mining companies to comply with laws and regulations to minimise environmental impact on mining communities, saying it is unjust for host communities to suffer environmental degradation. During a site visit to Zijin Golden Ridge Limited in the Eastern Region, she commended the company's environmental sustainability initiatives and expressed hope that the EPA's expanded mandate would ensure more mines comply with requirements.
22 October 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Monday 19 October

GH¢400m allocated for galamsey land reclamation in 2027 budget
President Mahama announced that the 2027 Budget will allocate GH¢400 million for environmental protection, with GH¢200 million to reclaim 5,000 acres of land degraded by illegal mining and GH¢200 million to support the EPA and Blue Water Guards. The reclamation exercise begins in 2027 amid ongoing restoration efforts, as damage from illegal mining is estimated at 12,000 acres nationwide.
19 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 15 October

Government launches small-scale mining formalisation programme in Western Region
The government has launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in Ahanta West and Mpohor Fiase to formalise small-scale mining, protect the environment, and ensure mining communities benefit from mineral resources. The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources stated the programme aims to provide miners a legitimate pathway to operate responsibly, with support from the Minerals Commission and EPA for registration and certification.
15 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Narawa alleges theft of GH¢100m in gold-bearing materials
NARAWA Company Limited, a Ghana-based gold mining company in Fanteakwa South, alleges that gold-bearing materials and concentrates valued at approximately GH¢100 million have been taken from its concession following an alleged unlawful takeover since August 12, and that mining plants and infrastructure worth over US$2 million have been destroyed. The company has called on the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Minerals Commission and other state institutions to investigate the occupation and restore access to the concession.
15 October 2026 · The Chronicle →

Tuesday 13 October

Illegal mining threatens Ghana's water security and pollution
Illegal gold mining (galamsey) is contributing to widespread water pollution in Ghana, with researchers reporting that about 60% of the country's water bodies are polluted; some affected water bodies may be difficult to restore even if pollution stopped immediately.
13 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 12 October

Ghana circular economy plan targets job creation and local production
The government has identified the circular economy as a major driver of job creation, local production, and sustainable economic growth, urging stakeholders to transform waste into economic value. Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the sector Minister, said deliberate decisions on resource production, consumption, and management could help Ghana reduce waste while creating economic opportunities, particularly for young people.
12 October 2026 · Daily Guide →

Friday 9 October

GAEC warns radon gas poses lung cancer risk, urges ventilation
The Ghana Atomic Energy Commission has warned that radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps into buildings from soil, is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and urges Ghanaians to keep windows open to prevent accumulation. GAEC is working with the EPA and Ghana Standards Authority to introduce radon assessments before construction and establish building guidelines for high-radon areas.
9 October 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana regulates electric vehicle charging and battery systems
The Energy Commission said it has completed regulations for EV charging stations and battery-swapping systems that are undergoing parliamentary approval to keep charging infrastructure development in line with growing EV adoption. The framework also covers used EV battery management to prevent waste problems and requires operators to meet specified compliance provisions.
9 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 8 October

UBIDS hosts WAC-SRT conference on sustainability after funding cycle
The University of Business and Integrated Development Studies hosted an international conference for the West African Centre for Sustainable Rural Transformation to evaluate its impact and plan future sustainability as the centre's primary funding cycle under German institutions concludes between 2026 and 2027.
8 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 7 October

Labadi shoreline demolitions raise fundamental question of beach ownership
Demolitions at Labadi Pleasure Beach Resort on 2 October 2026 removed structures from the shoreline, sparking debate over who owns Ghana's beaches. According to the article, the foreshore is public land vested in the state under Ghanaian law, though traditional authorities have sometimes claimed ownership extending to the shoreline.
7 October 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 28 September

Climate adaptation tracking workshop emphasizes results for vulnerable farmers
Climate experts and government officials gathered in Accra for a three-day workshop on strengthening inclusive climate adaptation tracking and reporting in Ghana's agriculture sector. The AGN Chair urged that monitoring adaptation efforts move beyond paperwork to deliver concrete benefits for vulnerable communities, as Ghana scales up resilience initiatives including climate-resilient crops and irrigation expansion.
28 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 27 September

Ghana's $200m oil rig decommissioning lesson: involve fisheries
Ghana's 2018 decommissioning of the Mr. Louie platform in the Saltpond oil field cost $200 million partly because the Fisheries Commission was not formally involved, leaving no biological baseline assessment before work began and fishermen sidelined from the process. As Ghana faces bigger decommissioning bills ahead—$704 million for Jubilee alone, plus TEN and Sankofa—the article argues the Fisheries Commission must be included in future operations to ensure marine ecosystem recovery.
27 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 24 September

KNUST launches Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory
KNUST has opened the Ghana Photonics and Optics Laboratory (GPOL), hosted by the Department of Physics, with seed funding from SPIE (the International Society for Optics and Photonics). The lab is the second dedicated optics and photonics facility in Ghana and aims to train scientists and innovators and advance research in photonics technology.
24 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 22 September

ECOWAS Parliament urges stronger climate action across region
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament called for renewed commitment by lawmakers to tackle climate change, citing increasing flooding, heat waves, and rising sea levels affecting livelihoods and security across the sub-region. The second ECOWAS Parliamentary Seminar in Accra convened lawmakers from member states to deliberate on measures to address climate change adaptation challenges.
22 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Saturday 19 September

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.
19 September 2026 · 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 →