Empire Cement Ghana ordered to shut down over pollution

Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered the immediate shutdown of Empire Cement Ghana Ltd in Weija. The enforcement action follows investigations into sustained emissions of visible particulate matter, gases, and other pollutants that pose risks to public health and the surrounding environment.

The EPA identified multiple breaches of the company's environmental permit. Key violations include the failure to install state-of-the-art pollution control systems required to meet the Ghana Standard GS 1236:2019. Additionally, investigators found that existing dust control equipment and pollution control systems were not being properly maintained or kept operational at all times.

Beyond air quality issues, the Authority also noted that the company failed to submit required quarterly environmental monitoring returns. The shutdown notice, signed by Acting CEO Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, follows numerous public complaints regarding air pollution and nuisance in the Greater Accra western corridor.