EPA orders immediate halt to unapproved land reclamation activities

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of Ghana has directed an immediate cessation of all land reclamation, mine-site rehabilitation, and water-body restoration projects that have not secured the necessary environmental permits. The directive, issued on October 14, 2026, targets various environmental intervention activities across the country to ensure strict compliance with national regulations. According to the authority, any project operating without official approval is in violation of the law and must stop work immediately.

The scope of the order is comprehensive, covering a wide range of activities including dredging and the rehabilitation of degraded mine sites. The EPA emphasized that even projects intended to improve or restore the environment must go through the formal permitting process. This requirement is intended to ensure that restoration efforts do not cause unintended ecological damage, such as further siltation of rivers or chemical soil imbalances, which can occur if the processes are not professionally managed and monitored.

Crucially, the EPA clarified that these environmental permitting requirements apply to all projects regardless of their funding source. Whether an initiative is privately funded, state-sponsored, or supported by international donors, it must adhere to the Environmental Assessment Regulations. This move is viewed as a significant effort to standardize environmental management and prevent unregulated activities that might exacerbate environmental degradation under the guise of restoration or development.

By enforcing these regulations, the EPA aims to provide necessary oversight for activities that significantly impact Ghana’s landscape and natural water systems. Stakeholders and contractors involved in such projects are now required to formalize their operations or face potential legal consequences. The directive serves as a firm reminder that environmental restoration must be scientific, monitored, and legally compliant to effectively preserve the nation's natural resources for future generations.