Accra, January 8, 2026 — The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced a nationwide Special Environmental Compliance Enforcement and Monitoring Exercise, warning businesses and institutions operating without valid environmental permits to regularise their operations or face sanctions.
In a public announcement dated January 8, 2026, the EPA stated that it is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504) for any undertaking to operate without a valid environmental permit or licence, operate with an expired permit, or breach the conditions attached to such permits.
According to the Authority, failure to comply with environmental regulations will attract sanctions including administrative penalties, fines, closure of facilities, or prosecution, in line with the applicable laws.
The EPA explained that as part of efforts to ensure full compliance, it will intensify routine environmental enforcement, monitoring, and inspection activities across the country. Businesses and organisations affected by the exercise have been urged to take immediate steps to regularise their environmental status by visiting the nearest EPA office to begin or complete the permitting process.
The compliance exercise covers a wide range of undertakings, including manufacturing industries, fuel and gas service stations, hotels and hospitality facilities, construction projects, health facilities, large-scale agricultural operations, chemical and pesticide activities, telecommunication masts, as well as large-scale and small-scale mining, quarrying, and sand-winning operations.
The EPA further clarified that all statutory fees or fines imposed during the exercise must be paid directly into designated EPA bank accounts or official mobile money wallets, stressing that the Authority does not accept cash payments under any circumstances.
The announcement, signed by Professor Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority, advised all regulated entities to seek clarification from the nearest EPA office where necessary.
The Authority says the exercise forms part of broader efforts to protect the environment, safeguard public health, and ensure sustainable development nationwide.
Official Document
Readers and regulated entities can access the full EPA public announcement here:
👉 https://kysafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PUBLIC-ANNOUNCEMENT-SPECIAL-ENVIRONMENTAL-COMPLIANCE-ENFORCEMENT-AND-MONITORING-EXERCISE-ENVIRONMENTAL-PROTECTION-AUTHORITY.pdf
