A picture of the Empire Cement Factory
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has directed Empire Cement Ghana Limited to immediately shut down its factory operations over alleged breaches of environmental permit conditions.
The directive, contained in a letter dated September 14, 2026, follows investigations by the EPA into alleged air pollution and nuisance from the company’s operations after receiving several public complaints.
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According to the EPA, its investigations found sustained emissions of visible particulate and gaseous pollutants from the company’s operations, with potential implications for the environment, adjoining land uses and public health.
The authority also accused Empire Cement of failing to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns, contrary to the conditions of its environmental permit.
It further said the company had failed to implement key pollution-control requirements, including the installation of appropriate state-of-the-art air pollution control systems on all pollution discharge units.
The EPA said the systems were required 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).
The company was also found to have failed to maintain its existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment in good working condition to reduce air pollution and comply with permissible emission limits.
The EPA stated that the company’s dust plants were also not being effectively maintained to prevent or minimise dust emissions into the external environment.
Based on the findings, the EPA said Empire Cement was in breach of several conditions of its environmental permit and consequently ordered the company to cease operations with immediate effect.
“Based on the above, the Authority finds Empire Cement Ghana Ltd in breach of sections 5.1(a), 5.1(h)(i), 5.1(h)(iv) and 9.1 of the Schedule to Environmental Permit No. EPA/MID/EMP/CU 859/25/1013/01/0042947 and hereby directs you to shut down the factory operations with immediate effect,” the letter stated.
The company has been directed to submit its outstanding quarterly environmental monitoring returns by October 1, 2026.
It must also install appropriate state-of-the-art air pollution control systems and ensure that existing pollution-control equipment is functioning properly.
The EPA further directed Empire Cement to engage stakeholders in the affected community on the impact of its operations and the measures being taken to mitigate them.
The company must notify the EPA after completing the installation of the required pollution-control systems for inspection.
The Authority stressed that Empire Cement can only resume operations after installing systems that meet the GS 1236:2019 emissions standards and obtaining written permission from the EPA.
The EPA warned that failure to comply could result in further enforcement action, including administrative penalties and other regulatory sanctions under Ghana’s environmental laws.
Read the full letter below
NA/BAI
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