Ghana: The Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, said that the government will work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to determine whether operations at Empire Cement pose health risks to residents in the area. She said a scientific assessment by the EPA would be necessary to establish the extent of any pollution linked to the company’s operations. The Minister made the remarks on Friday 18 September 2026, during a visit to the Empire Cement plant.
The visit came two days after the EPA directed Empire Cement to shut down the plant’s operations with immediate effect. The directive followed investigations launched by the EPA after it received several complaints from residents about alleged air pollution and nuisance associated with the company’s activities. According to the EPA, its investigations found sustained visible particulate and gaseous emissions from the facility into the surrounding environment. The regulator also accused the company of failing to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring returns, contrary to the conditions of its environmental permit. The company was directed to submit its outstanding returns by 1 October 2026, and can only resume operations after installing pollution control systems and obtaining written permission from the EPA.