The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered the immediate suspension of land reclamation, dredging and environmental restoration activities being carried out without the required environmental permits across Ghana.
In a statement dated October 14, 2026, the Authority said it had observed a growing number of such activities being undertaken without the necessary permits and regulatory oversight.
“All entities presently undertaking reclamation, dredging, rehabilitation or restoration activities without the requisite EPA Environmental Permit are hereby directed to CEASE OPERATIONS IMMEDIATELY,” the statement said.
The EPA has directed affected operators to report to the nearest regional office or its head office for regulatory assessment.
Projects covered by the directive
The order applies to a broad range of activities, including mine-site rehabilitation, the backfilling of excavated areas, the restoration of abandoned mining sites, river dredging and desilting, and interventions affecting wetlands and aquatic ecosystems.
It covers projects sponsored by the government, privately funded initiatives and donor-supported programmes.
The Authority warned that operators who continue working without the required permits after the notice will face enforcement action under applicable Ghanaian laws.
EPA warns against bypassing environmental safeguards
The EPA said it supports efforts to restore land and water bodies degraded by illegal and irresponsible mining.
However, it stressed that the urgency of environmental restoration does not justify bypassing regulatory requirements designed to protect ecosystems and prevent further damage.
The Authority’s directive underscores the need for restoration and rehabilitation projects to undergo the appropriate environmental assessment and approval processes before operations begin.
It said the permitting requirements are intended to ensure that activities undertaken in the name of environmental recovery do not cause additional environmental destruction.
