The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on illegal mining activities, stating that no one, regardless of status or political affiliation, will be spared if found guilty of environmental violations.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, made this declaration on Channel One Newsroom on April 1, emphasizing the agency’s unwavering stance in protecting the environment.

“We will focus on our mandate to protect the environment and coordinate all activities that affect it. We need to protect the environment no matter who is involved, whether legally or illegally. So for us, we are focused on our mandate,” she stated.

Prof. Klutse further explained that while the agency actively monitors environmental activities, it also acts on complaints from communities and companies, assuring the public that any reports of illegal mining would be investigated and those found culpable would be held accountable.

“So far, we have not received any complaints about politicians being involved in illegal mining. However, the EPA, apart from conducting its monitoring, also responds to complaints. If we receive reports from communities or companies, we take the necessary action, including prosecuting offenders who violate compliance regulations,” she added.

Reiterating the agency’s stance on fairness and accountability, Prof. Klutse made it clear that politicians involved in illegal mining would not be shielded from the law.

“If any politician is involved in illegal mining, and we get hold of the person, we will still apply the law as we would to any other Ghanaian,” she asserted.

The EPA’s firm position comes at a time when illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, continues to pose severe environmental threats, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation.