The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has cautioned the public against making any form of direct cash payments to its monitoring and compliance officers, stressing that such transactions are illegal and could constitute extortion.

The Authority explained that all official payments due the EPA must be made strictly through approved and traceable channels, as part of efforts to promote transparency and curb corruption.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, February 3, Tema Regional Director of the EPA, Samuel Oteng, made it clear that officers are not permitted to receive money from individuals or organisations during inspections or enforcement activities.

“Nobody is supposed to pay any money to any EPA officer. If you are to pay any money to EPA, it should be at the bank. We will generate an invoice from the accounts department for you, you send it to the bank and it is paid through the Ghana.gov platform or pay by mobile money,” he said.

He warned that giving money directly to officers amounts to extortion and undermines accountability within the system.

Mr. Oteng added that any EPA staff found engaging in unauthorised collections would face strict disciplinary and legal action. He also urged the public not to encourage corrupt practices by attempting to bypass environmental regulations through unofficial payments.

According to him, all payments to the EPA are initiated only after an official invoice is issued by the Authority’s accounts department, after which fees must be settled through designated banks, the Ghana.gov platform, or approved mobile money services.

The warning follows the EPA’s nationwide monitoring and compliance enforcement exercise announced on January 8, aimed at ensuring adherence to environmental laws, permit conditions, and safety standards.

As part of the operation, officers are inspecting facilities, verifying permits, and assessing compliance to protect the environment and public health.

The Authority maintains that the exercise is meant to enforce regulations—not to harass businesses or individuals.