EPA shuts down Mpohor mining site linked to former DCE
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has closed down a mining site in the Mpohor District of the Western Region reportedly connected to former Mpohor District Chief Executive, Asaah Mensah, and another operator, Obed Osei, over alleged illegal small-scale mining and environmental violations.
The shutdown, carried out on Monday, May 18, was part of a nationwide compliance operation by the EPA aimed at tackling illegal mining and enforcing environmental regulations within Ghana’s extractive industry.
According to EPA officials who visited the site, the operators, working under the name JKCem I AM Gold, were allegedly carrying out mining activities without the necessary environmental permit. The agency also alleged that foreign nationals, mainly Chinese, had been engaged in the operation despite laws reserving small-scale mining for Ghanaians.
Speaking during the inspection, the EPA’s Deputy Director of Mining, Harrison Afful, said the operation breached several environmental and mining regulations.
He explained that inspectors discovered untreated underground water from the mining activities being discharged directly into the environment, describing the practice as a major environmental offence.
Mr Afful warned that such activities could endanger nearby rivers, farmlands and local communities if urgent action was not taken.
He further noted that preliminary investigations suggested the scale of the operation exceeded what is permitted under Ghana’s small-scale mining regulations.
“We observed several Chinese nationals at the site, and from the information available to us, they are involved in the operations. The application submitted was for small-scale mining, yet the law prohibits foreign nationals from engaging in such activities. From what we witnessed today [May 18], the operation appears to go beyond small-scale mining,” he stated.
The EPA official added that the operators would face legal action over the alleged breaches and stressed that the agency would continue working with other state institutions to enforce compliance within the mining sector.
The closure comes as government intensifies efforts to curb illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which continues to pose serious environmental and governance challenges across the country.
Over the years, illegal mining has contributed to the destruction of forests, contamination of water bodies and increased foreign involvement in unauthorised mining operations, despite laws limiting small-scale mining activities to Ghanaian citizens.
Authorities have consistently warned that individuals and companies violating environmental and mining laws risk sanctions, including suspension of operations, prosecution and possible withdrawal of licences.
In recent months, the EPA has stepped up monitoring and enforcement activities in several mining communities as part of measures to protect the environment and encourage responsible mining practices.
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