The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has cautioned members of the public and corporate entities against making cash payments directly to its monitoring and compliance officers during official duties.
The Authority stressed that all payments due the EPA must be made through approved channels, warning that any direct payment to officers in the field is illegal and could constitute extortion.
The caution comes as the EPA continues its nationwide monitoring and compliance enforcement exercise.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Tema Regional Director of the EPA, Samuel Oteng, stated emphatically that EPA officers are not authorised under any circumstances to collect money directly from the public.
He explained that the Authority has established clear and transparent procedures for payments, which must be followed to ensure accountability.
“Nobody is supposed to pay any money to any EPA officer. If you are to pay any money to the EPA, it should be done at the bank. An invoice will be generated by our accounts department, after which payment can be made through the bank, the Ghana.gov platform, or via mobile money,” Mr Oteng said.
He warned that giving money directly to officers amounts to extortion and cautioned the public against encouraging corrupt practices in an attempt to bypass regulatory processes or sanctions.
Mr Oteng added that any officer found collecting money outside approved procedures would be acting unlawfully and would be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
The warning follows a public notice issued on January 8, announcing the start of a nationwide EPA monitoring and compliance enforcement exercise. The initiative aims to ensure adherence to environmental laws, permit requirements, and environmental protection standards.
As part of the exercise, EPA officers are inspecting facilities, verifying permits, and assessing compliance with environmental safeguards. The Authority emphasised that the exercise is not intended to harass businesses but to protect the environment and public health.
