The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has directed all individuals and organisations undertaking reclamation and restoration activities to obtain an environmental permit under Ghana’s updated environmental assessment regulations.
In a public notice issued on June 1, 2026, the Authority said the requirement is in accordance with Regulation 40 of the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504), and applies to a broad range of land and water restoration projects across the country.
According to the EPA, the directive covers activities such as mine reclamation and rehabilitation, restoration of degraded lands, rehabilitation of abandoned mining sites, backfilling and reshaping of excavated areas, ecological re-vegetation projects, dredging operations and the restoration of affected water bodies.
The Authority explained that any project aimed at restoring disturbed terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems now falls under the environmental permitting regime.
The EPA stressed that compliance is mandatory for mining companies, contractors, landowners, developers, investors and all other stakeholders involved in reclamation or restoration works.
It warned that individuals or organisations that fail to obtain the required Environmental Permit before undertaking such activities will face sanctions under the provisions of the 2025 regulations.
According to the Authority, the new requirement is intended to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote environmental accountability and ensure that restoration efforts are carried out in a sustainable and responsible manner.
The EPA further encouraged stakeholders seeking clarification on the permitting process to contact the nearest regional office or engage the Authority through its official communication channels.
The notice was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, who reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to environmental protection while supporting responsible development and restoration initiatives across the country.