Government moves to resolve Empire Cement closure

Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare,

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has led a team from the Ministry to Empire Cement Limited to obtain first-hand information on the circumstances surrounding the closure of the cement manufacturing company by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The visit forms part of government’s broader efforts to support local industries, protect investments and create an enabling environment for businesses to operate, while ensuring strict adherence to environmental and health standards.

Empire Cement Limited, a local manufacturer of cement, was closed down by the EPA over concerns relating to environmental compliance. According to the Agency, the company had not submitted its environmental assessment report required to demonstrate that its operations do not pose environmental or potential health risks to people living in surrounding communities.

During the engagement, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare held discussions with the management of Empire Cement and sought to understand the concerns raised by both the company and the EPA.

The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to supporting businesses and investors, noting that industries are critical to economic growth, job creation, local production and the development of Ghana’s industrial base. She, however, stressed that investment and industrial development must be pursued within the framework of the country’s laws and environmental regulations.

According to the Minister, government wants investors to realise returns on their investments, but this must be achieved in an environment that protects workers, surrounding communities and the environment. She therefore indicated that the Ministry would engage the EPA and the management of Empire Cement to help resolve the outstanding issues and find a sustainable path towards the company’s compliance and possible resumption of operations.

The intervention reflects government's role as both a facilitator of economic activity and a guarantor of the public interest. While the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry works to promote industrialisation and support businesses, regulatory institutions such as the EPA are mandated to ensure that industrial activities meet established environmental requirements.

The government’s approach is therefore aimed at finding a balance between safeguarding investments and employment opportunities and ensuring that businesses operate responsibly and in accordance with national regulations.

Hon. Ofosu-Adjare assured that the Ministry would continue to engage the relevant stakeholders to facilitate a resolution to the impasse, subject to the company meeting the applicable regulatory requirements.

The visit is part of government's ongoing commitment to strengthening Ghana’s industrial sector, promoting local manufacturing and creating a business environment where enterprises can grow sustainably while protecting the wellbeing of citizens and the environment.