The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has stated that individuals and companies undertaking any form of land or water reclamation must first secure an environmental permit from the Authority.
In a statement issued June 1, 2026, and signed by Chief Executive Officer Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, the EPA said the requirement is pursuant to Regulation 40 of the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025, L.I. 2504.
The directive applies to mining companies, contractors, landowners, developers, investors, and other stakeholders engaged in reclamation work.
According to the Authority, the permit is required for mine reclamation and rehabilitation, restoration of degraded lands, rehabilitation of abandoned mining sites, backfilling and reshaping of excavated areas, re-vegetation and ecological restoration projects, dredging and restoration of water bodies, and any activity intended to restore or reclaim disturbed land or aquatic ecosystems.
“Please ensure you obtain the required permit before undertaking any reclamation activity,” the Authority stated.
The EPA warned that failure to comply will attract sanctions under the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025, L.I. 2504.
The Authority encouraged persons and entities undertaking these activities to comply and directed the public to contact the nearest EPA Regional Office or use the Authority’s official communication channels for further information, guidance, and permit application procedures.
