Empire Cement Ghana Limited faces a shutdown at Weija in the Greater Accra Region over alleged air pollution breaches.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued the directive after investigating public complaints about pollution and other nuisances linked to the company’s operations.
The notice was dated September 14, 2026.
EPA cites pollution control failures
The EPA said its investigations uncovered continued emissions of visible particles, gases and other pollutants from the factory.
According to the Authority, the emissions could affect the environment, nearby land users and public health.
The EPA also accused Empire Cement of failing to submit its quarterly environmental monitoring reports.
The company’s environmental permit requires it to submit those reports under Condition 9.1.
The Authority further said the company had not fulfilled key requirements concerning pollution control systems.
Empire Cement ordered to improve its systems
The EPA said Empire Cement was required to install modern pollution control systems on all units that discharge pollutants.
The systems must meet Ghana’s environmental and health protection standards for air quality and industrial emissions.
However, the Authority said the company had failed to meet that requirement.
It also found that some existing pollution control systems and related equipment were not being properly maintained.
The EPA said this failure could prevent the factory from keeping emissions within approved limits.
The Authority also cited problems with the maintenance of dust-control plants at the facility.
According to the EPA, the plants must be kept in good condition to reduce dust emissions into the surrounding environment.
EPA sets conditions for reopening
The EPA has directed Empire Cement to submit its outstanding quarterly environmental monitoring reports by October 1, 2026.
The company must also install suitable air pollution control systems that comply with the relevant Ghanaian standards.
In addition, it must ensure that its existing pollution control equipment and auxiliary systems are in proper working condition.
The EPA said the measures are necessary to reduce pollution and keep emissions within permissible limits.
The company is also expected to ensure that its pollution control systems remain operational at all times.
Public complaints trigger enforcement action
The latest action follows several complaints from members of the public about alleged pollution from the factory.
The EPA said its findings showed that Empire Cement had breached several conditions attached to its environmental permit.
These included requirements covering pollution control, equipment maintenance and environmental monitoring.
The Authority has therefore linked the company’s continued operations to the fulfilment of the corrective measures.
For now, Empire Cement must address the concerns raised by the EPA before it can resume operations.
Source: MyJoyOnline
