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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reiterated its dedication to tackling illegal mining, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of social status or political ties, will be exempt from prosecution if found guilty of environmental offenses.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on April 1, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Klutse, underscored the agency’s firm stance on environmental protection.
“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 highlighted that the EPA actively monitors environmental activities while also addressing concerns raised by communities and businesses. She assured the public that all reports of illegal mining would be thoroughly investigated, and offenders 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.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to impartiality, Prof. Klutse made it clear that politicians engaged in illegal mining would not receive special treatment.
“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 resolute position comes amid growing concerns over illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, which continues to cause severe environmental damage, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation.
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