Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denies harassment and closure of schools over permit issues.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denies harassment and closure of schools over permit issues.
Samuel Oteng, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Tema Region, has dismissed claims that the Agency harasses or arbitrarily shuts down businesses, including private schools, over environmental permit issues.
His comments follow concerns raised by some business operators and school owners who allege that the EPA closed down their facilities without sufficient notice for failing to meet environmental permitting requirements.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Mr Oteng said the Agency’s enforcement actions were sector-wide and aimed at ensuring environmental safety, not targeting specific businesses or institutions.
“We have not harassed anybody or closed down any school. But we are dealing with every sector, from mining to manufacturing, and every facility. We are not leaving anyone out of the compliance. It is our responsibility to keep the environment safe,” he said.
Mr Oteng stressed that the EPA’s mandate required it to enforce environmental regulations across all sectors and urged business operators to cooperate with the Agency to ensure compliance with permit requirements.
He added that the enforcement exercise was intended to protect public health and the environment, while encouraging affected operators to engage with the EPA to address any outstanding compliance issues.
