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The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to immediately suspend operations at its factory following investigations into alleged air pollution and nuisance associated with the facility.
The directive follows several complaints from members of the public concerning air pollution allegedly linked to the company’s operations.
According to the EPA, its investigations found that the facility was producing sustained visible particulate and gaseous emissions into the surrounding environment.
The Authority said the emissions could have adverse implications for the environment, nearby land uses and public health.
Environmental Permit Conditions Breached
In a statement issued on September 14, the EPA said its investigations uncovered several violations of conditions attached to Empire Cement’s Environmental Permit.
The enforcement action was taken under Section 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).
Among 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 found that key measures required to control air pollution from the factory had not been adequately implemented.
Pollution Control Systems Raise Concern
The Authority said Empire Cement had failed to install appropriate state-of-the-art pollution control systems across all pollution discharge units.
The systems are 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 EPA further found that existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment at the facility were not being properly maintained.
According to the Authority, this limited their ability to effectively reduce air pollution and ensure compliance with permissible limits for fenceline air quality and point-source or stack emissions.