The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has underlined its commitment to combating illegal mining, declaring that no one, regardless of status or political party, will be exempt if proven guilty of environmental infractions.
Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, made this announcement on Channel One Newsroom on April 1, emphasising the agency’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection.
“We will concentrate on our mission to protect the environment and coordinate all activities that impact it. We must safeguard the ecosystem regardless of who is engaged, either legitimately or unlawfully. So we are focused on our mandate,” she said.
Prof. Klutse went on to explain that, while the agency actively monitors environmental operations, it also responds to complaints from communities and businesses, promising the public that any accusations of unlawful mining will be examined and those found responsible held accountable.
“So far, we have received no reports regarding politicians engaging in unlawful mining. However, in addition to monitoring, the EPA investigates and resolves complaints. If we receive reports from communities or businesses, we take appropriate action, including punishing offenders who breach compliance regulations,” she explained.
Prof. Klutse reiterated the agency’s commitment to fairness and accountability, emphasising that politicians engaging in illicit mining will not be exempt from the law.
“If any politician is involved in illegal mining, and we get hold of the person, we will still apply the law as we would to any other Ghanaian,” according to her.
The EPA’s tough attitude comes at a time when illicit mining, also known as galamsey, continues to pose serious environmental hazards such as deforestation, water pollution, and soil deterioration.
