The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to immediately shut down its factory operations following investigations into alleged air pollution and nuisance associated with the facility.
The directive follows several complaints from members of the public concerning alleged air pollution caused by the company’s operations.
In a statement issued on September 14, the EPA said its investigations established that the company was emitting sustained visible particulate and gaseous pollutants into the surrounding environment.
According to the Authority, the emissions could have adverse effects on the environment, adjoining land uses and public health.
The investigations also uncovered several breaches of conditions attached to Empire Cement Ghana Ltd’s Environmental Permit, leading to enforcement action 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, in violation of Condition 9.1 of the schedule to its Environmental Permit.
The EPA further found that the company had failed to meet key requirements for controlling air pollution from its factory.
It said the company had not installed appropriate state-of-the-art pollution control systems on all pollution discharge units as 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 Authority also found that existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment at the facility were not being properly maintained or kept in good working condition.
According to the EPA, the failure to adequately maintain the systems affected their ability to effectively control air pollution and ensure compliance with permissible limits for fenceline air quality and point-source or stack emissions.
The EPA has consequently directed Empire Cement Ghana Ltd to cease all factory operations with immediate effect.
