Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Environmental law and compliance in Tema concerns the approvals, operating conditions and enforcement rules that apply to projects and businesses affecting the environment. These issues commonly arise around Tema’s port, industrial areas, fuel and chemical storage sites, construction projects, and facilities handling waste or wastewater.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may require a project to be registered and screened before work begins. Depending on its likely effects, the project may also need an environmental permit and further assessment. Requirements depend on the activity and site, so confirm them with the EPA before construction or operations start.
Environmental approvals are separate from planning, building and business approvals. The relevant local assembly may also have requirements, and projects near port facilities may involve the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. A lawyer can help identify which approvals apply and whether permit conditions are being met.
You plan to build or expand a factory, warehouse, fuel depot or other industrial facility and need to determine which EPA approvals must come first.
Your business has received an EPA notice, inspection finding or enforcement direction concerning emissions, wastewater, noise, waste handling or permit conditions.
A construction or industrial project near homes, wetlands, the coast or port operations may affect neighbours, and you need advice on assessment duties or responding to objections.
Your company handles hazardous waste, used oil, chemicals or electronic waste and needs to review its storage, transport or disposal arrangements.
You are acquiring or leasing an industrial site and want to check environmental permits, outstanding notices, contamination concerns and responsibility for remediation.
You believe a facility is causing pollution or creating a health risk and need help documenting the issue and raising it with the appropriate authority.
The Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) is Ghana’s current principal environmental protection statute. It was enacted in 2025 and provides the statutory framework for environmental regulation and the EPA. For a project or dispute, confirm the applicable requirements and any transition arrangements directly with the EPA.
The Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (L.I. 1652) set out the environmental assessment and permitting process, including registration, screening and assessment requirements. The EPA determines what process applies to a particular undertaking; an assessment requirement should not be assumed solely from the project’s location or industry.
The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016 (Act 917) addresses hazardous and electronic waste management. It may be relevant to Tema businesses that import, collect, store, transport, treat or dispose of covered waste.
No. The EPA screens proposed undertakings and determines whether registration, an environmental permit or further assessment is required. Check before starting work, since the answer depends on the activity and its potential impacts.
No. Environmental approval and local planning or building approval serve different purposes. A project may need approvals from more than one authority before construction or operation.
Do not assume that a pending application authorises operations. Ask the EPA what the business may lawfully do while the application is under review, and have a lawyer check any existing permit conditions or notices.
There is no single timeline for every application. Screening may be more straightforward than a case requiring detailed studies, public participation or additional information, and delays can depend on the completeness of the submission and the project’s impacts.
Legal fees vary with the work, urgency and complexity, such as whether the matter involves a permit application, an enforcement response or a dispute. Ask for a written scope and fee estimate, and confirm separately whether EPA fees, technical studies or consultant costs are included.
A lawyer is not necessarily required for every application. Legal advice can be useful where the project has complex approvals, contested impacts, significant permit conditions or an enforcement history.
Residents can report suspected pollution to the EPA and provide clear information about its location, timing and effects. A lawyer can advise on documenting the concern, identifying the responsible authority and considering further legal options.
Check the notice for deadlines, required actions and the legal basis stated by the agency. Preserve relevant permits, monitoring records and correspondence, and seek advice promptly before replying or missing a deadline.
The project proponent generally arranges and pays for studies required for its application. The scope and cost depend on the EPA’s requirements and may involve specialist environmental consultants as well as separate legal advice.
Do not assume that a permit automatically transfers with the property or business. Check the permit terms and ask the EPA what approvals, notifications or fresh applications are required for the proposed change in ownership or operations.
The EPA handles environmental regulation, while the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has responsibilities relating to port operations and facilities. The relevant local assembly may also have planning or local-authority functions, so the site and activity determine which bodies need to be consulted.
Environmental Protection Agency: Handles environmental screening, permits, assessment requirements, inspections and enforcement under Ghana’s environmental framework.
Tema Metropolitan Assembly: Provides local-authority services, including relevant planning and development functions within its jurisdiction. Confirm which assembly covers the exact project address.
Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority: Manages Ghana’s ports and related facilities, including Tema Port, and may be relevant to projects affecting port land or operations.
Define the issue. Write down the site address, business activity, approval needed, complaint or notice received, and any response deadline. This can be done before contacting lawyers.
Gather key documents. Collect permits, applications, inspection reports, EPA correspondence, leases, plans and relevant monitoring records. Allow a few days if documents are held by several teams or consultants.
Shortlist lawyers in Ghana. Look for lawyers whose work includes environmental approvals, regulatory compliance or disputes, and verify their current professional standing through appropriate Ghanaian legal channels.
Arrange an initial consultation. Ask whether the lawyer has handled matters involving the relevant industry, EPA process or Tema authority. Share the deadline at the outset.
Compare written scopes and fees. Ask what advice, agency contact, document review or representation is included, what is excluded, and whether technical consultant costs are separate. Aim to obtain estimates within a few business days.
Agree the engagement in writing. Confirm the lawyer’s responsibilities, fees, payment terms and communication arrangements before work begins. Provide complete information and keep copies of submissions and agency responses.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Tema through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Environmental Law & Compliance, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Tema, Ghana — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
