The Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings (MP), on Tuesday, 20th October 2026, undertook a working visit to selected mining and industrial facilities in the Eastern Region to assess environmental management practices and promote compliance with environmental standards.
The visit formed part of the Ministry’s efforts to strengthen environmental oversight, encourage responsible resource management and promote sustainable industrial practices. The Minister was accompanied by officials from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology.
As part of the tour, Dr. Zanetor visited Zijin Golden Ridge Limited at New Abirem, where she engaged with issues relating to mining operations and environmental management. The visit provided an opportunity to examine the relationship between mineral extraction, environmental responsibility and the need to protect natural resources in mining communities.
The Minister also visited an illegal mining site at Osino to observe the situation and assess concerns surrounding illegal mining and its effects on the environment. Illegal mining remains a significant environmental concern because of its potential to degrade land, pollute water bodies, destroy vegetation and affect livelihoods in communities that depend on natural resources.
The visit highlighted the importance of effective monitoring, enforcement of environmental regulations and cooperation among relevant institutions in addressing such challenges. It also underscored the need for responsible mining practices and appropriate measures to protect and restore affected areas.
Dr. Zanetor’s itinerary further included Fairafric Ghana Limited in Suhum, where she had the opportunity to engage with issues relating to industrial operations and sustainable practices. The visit formed part of the Ministry’s broader interest in encouraging industries to operate in an environmentally responsible manner while contributing to economic activity and employment.
The Minister also visited the EPA Regional Office in Koforidua, where she engaged with officials on the Authority’s environmental monitoring and regulatory responsibilities in the region. The engagement reinforced the importance of effective coordination between the Ministry and the EPA in ensuring compliance with environmental standards and responding to environmental concerns.
The working tour provided an opportunity to observe environmental issues across mining and industrial settings and underscored the need for continued collaboration between government institutions, industry operators and local authorities. “Such collaboration is important in strengthening environmental governance, improving compliance and ensuring that economic activities do not undermine the sustainability of natural resources”, She stressed.
Dr. Zanetor concluded the tour with a meeting with the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, whom she briefed on the locations visited and key observations from the engagements. The meeting also provided an opportunity to share information on the environmental issues encountered during the tour and the importance of cooperation between national and regional authorities.
The visit reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting environmental accountability and encouraging responsible mining and industrial practices. Through engagements with relevant institutions and operators, the Ministry continues to emphasise the importance of protecting Ghana’s land, water bodies and other natural resources while pursuing sustainable development for present and future generations.
