Ghana: EPA to begin compliance enforcement on open burning

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is set to roll out a compliance enforcement exercise on open burning as part of efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality in Ghana.

The Authority announced the planned enforcement exercise as Ghana joins the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, being observed under the theme “Clean Air, Healthy Choices: Acting Together for People and Planet.”

The EPA said the enforcement on open burning forms part of a broader set of measures being implemented to control air pollution and ensure compliance with environmental requirements.

These measures include the implementation of the Environmental Protection (Air Quality Management) Regulations, 2025 (LI 2507), which provide controls for emissions, as well as enforcement of the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (LI 2504).

The Authority is also working with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to introduce vehicle emissions testing as part of the roadworthiness certification process.

In addition, the EPA is implementing the Air Quality Management Plan for the Greater Accra Region through a multisectoral approach and is introducing the Ghana Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (GOCEMS) to facilitate real-time monitoring of emissions from permitted undertakings.

The EPA identified open burning of waste, vehicle emissions, industrial and commercial activities, and the use of firewood and charcoal for cooking among the major sources of air pollution in Ghana.

It urged individuals, communities, businesses and institutions to avoid open burning, maintain vehicles properly, adopt cleaner cooking options and improve industrial practices.

The Authority said the planned enforcement exercise is part of efforts to ensure compliance and protect public health and the environment from the effects of air pollution.

According to the UNDP Investment Case for Improved Ambient Air Quality and Health in Ghana Report 2025, air pollution is estimated to cause about 12,870 deaths annually in Ghana and cost the country approximately US$1.9 billion, equivalent to 2.3% of GDP.

The EPA urged the public to support measures aimed at improving air quality, stressing that reducing air pollution requires collective action across all sectors.