EPA directs Empire Cement to shut down over air pollution

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.

EPA said the investigations were initiated after receiving several complaints from members of the public regarding alleged air pollution linked to the company’s activities. According to the EPA, its investigations established that the company was releasing sustained visible particulate and gaseous emissions into the ambient environment, with potential negative implications for the environment, adjoining land uses and public health.

A September 14 statement by EPA said the findings also revealed several breaches of conditions attached to the company’s Environmental Permit, prompting the enforcement action under Section 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).

One of the breaches identified by the EPA was the company’s failure to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns, contrary to Condition 9.1 in the schedule to its Environmental Permit.

The EPA said the company had also failed to implement key requirements relating to the control of air pollution from its factory.

Among the requirements allegedly not met was 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 – Requirements for Ambient Air Quality and Point Source/Stack Emissions (GS 1236:2019). EPA further found that existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment at the facility were not being maintained in good working condition to effectively reduce air pollution and ensure compliance with permissible limits for fenceline air quality and point-source or stack emissions.