The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered the immediate shutdown of Empire Cement Ghana Limited at Weija in the Greater Accra Region over alleged breaches of its environmental permit and air pollution control requirements.
The directive, dated September 14, 2026, followed investigations triggered by several complaints from members of the public about alleged air pollution and nuisance associated with the company’s operations.
The EPA subsequently moved to enforce the shutdown at the company’s premises on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
According to the Authority, its investigations found that the factory was releasing sustained visible particulate matter and gaseous emissions into the surrounding environment.
The EPA said the emissions had potential negative implications for the environment, adjoining land uses and public health.
The enforcement action was taken under Section 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), which provides the EPA with powers to issue directives and enforce environmental compliance. The Act replaced the former Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994 (Act 490), and expanded the Authority’s oversight and enforcement mandate.
Permit conditions breached
The EPA said Empire Cement failed to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns, contrary to Condition 9.1 of the schedule to its environmental permit.
The Authority also identified breaches relating to the installation, operation and maintenance of pollution control systems at the factory.
Among the requirements, the company was expected to install appropriate state-of-the-art pollution control systems on all pollution discharge units to ensure compliance with the Ghana Standard for Environment and Health Protection requirements for ambient air quality and point-source or stack emissions, GS 1236:2019.
The EPA said the company had failed to meet this requirement.
It further found that existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment were not being maintained in good working condition to effectively control air pollution and keep emissions within permissible limits.
The Authority also cited shortcomings in the maintenance and operation of dust-control equipment intended to prevent or minimise dust emissions from the facility.
According to the EPA, the company was required to ensure that its pollution control systems remained operational and effective at all times in accordance with GS 1236:2019.
Conditions for reopening
The shutdown means Empire Cement cannot resume operations until it satisfies the corrective measures outlined by the EPA.
The company has been directed to submit its outstanding quarterly environmental monitoring returns by October 1, 2026.
It must also install appropriate air pollution control systems capable of ensuring compliance with GS 1236:2019.
In addition, the company has been instructed to restore and maintain its existing pollution control systems and auxiliary equipment in proper working condition to reduce emissions and ensure compliance with permissible limits for fenceline air quality and point-source or stack emissions.
The EPA has previously warned regulated businesses that operating in breach of conditions attached to an environmental permit constitutes an offence under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124).
Empire Cement describes itself as a cement manufacturing company based at Weija Junction in Accra. Its website says the company was established in 2023 and produces Portland limestone cement for the Ghanaian construction market.
The latest action places renewed attention on environmental compliance within Ghana’s manufacturing sector, particularly the need for industrial facilities to maintain effective pollution-control systems and comply with environmental monitoring and reporting requirements.
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