According to the authority, mining in and around water bodies was a critical issue that threatens the health of the en­vironment, the safety of citizens, and the sustainability of the natural resources.

A press statement signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse and copied The Ghanaian Times yesterday, said the authority was deeply concerned about the alarming increase in mining activities within and around water bodies across the country.

She noted that recent reports and inspections have revealed the ongoing devastation of mining activities in and around water bodies, a practice that poses significant risks to the ecosystems, public health, and future generations.

“Therefore, all mining activities must strictly comply with the environmental laws of Ghana, including obtaining the necessary permits and implementing sus­tainable mining practices that minimise environmental impacts.”

“In accordance with Section 2 and 3b(ii) of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), the EPA, hereby issues this urgent directive to all individ­uals and entities involved in illegal min­ing (galamsey) and other unauthorised operations in water bodies, both small-scale and large-scale, and are instructed to cease all activities with immediate effect,” she noted.

The directive, Prof. Klutse applies to all unauthorised activities, stating that EPA, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST), Minerals Commission, Water Resources Commission and the relevant security agencies would seize equipment used in illegal mining operations in line with applicable laws, intensify surveil­lance and inspections of mining sites and prosecute individuals and organisations found violating environmental laws.

She added that EPA was committed to safeguarding Ghana’s environment for current and future generations.

“We will continue to engage stake­holders, enforce regulations, and imple­ment sustainable development practices to achieve this goal. Together, we can protect our water bodies and secure a healthier and more prosperous future for all Ghanaians,” she noted.

The authority encourages all Ghana­ians to become vigilant and report any illegal mining activities to the relevant authorities and the EPA hotline at 0506699466 or 0506694760.