JUSTINE SHIRLEY SEYIRE DZADZRA
Accra
Summary
Dynamic Geologist and Environmental Scientist with extensive experience in environmental management within Ghana's mining sector. Proven expertise in environmental assessment administration and management, complemented by a strong commitment to sustainability and regulatory compliance. Recognized for exceptional analytical abilities, organizational skills, and effective communication, consistently delivering high-quality results that meet or exceed industry standards. A reputation for fostering collaborative relationships enhances the ability to drive projects forward while ensuring environmental integrity.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Acting Director
Environmental Protection Authority, Mining Department
09.2025 - Current
- Responsible for the quarrying sub-sector of the mining department by ensuring the following:
- Supervising, coordinating and formulating strategies for the environmental assessment and management of quarrying undertakings.
- Providing inputs for the formulation of policies, operational standards and implementation strategies related to the industry.
- Coordinating and undertaking the desktop review of Environmental Assessment Reports and vetting of review comments of same.
- Conducting Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) on permit/ certificate schedules of quarry applications.
- Deputize when the substantive Head of Department is not at post.
- Represent the Authority on national and international fora on issues relating to mining.
- Provide technical assistance to proponents seeking environmental approval for various mining sector and related projects.
- Provide inputs for the preparation of educational material and coordinate Environmental Education/ Public sensitization programmes in the mining sector.
- Network with relevant mining sector institutions and stakeholders for effective delivery of the Authority’s mandate.
- Undertake periodic training for the Authority’s Regional and Area Officers as well as Officers from other related sector institutions.
Acting Director & Chief Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Authority, Mining Department
08.2022 - 09.2025
- Provide inputs for the formulation of policies and implementation strategies of the Authority.
- Coordinate the preparation of Annual and quarterly reports of the Department.
- Deputize when the substantive Head of Department is not at post.
- Represent the Authority on national and international fora on issues relating to mining.
- Supervise and coordinate the environmental assessment and management of mining exploration undertakings.
- Formulate strategies for the environmental assessment administration and management of small and medium scale mining applications for the EPA Regional and Area Offices.
- Coordinate and undertake the desktop review of Environmental Assessment Reports and vetting of review comments of same.
- Conduct Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) on permit/ certificate schedules of exploration, quarry applications as well as selected large scale mining applications.
- Provide technical assistance to proponents seeking environmental approval for various mining sector and related projects.
- Strategize for Compliance Enforcement Monitoring exercises.
- Provide inputs for the preparation of educational material and coordinate Environmental Education/ Public sensitization programmes in the mining sector.
- Network with relevant mining sector institutions and stakeholders for effective delivery of the Authority’s mandate.
- Undertake periodic training for the Authority’s Regional and District Officers as well as Officers from other mining sector institutions.
- Coordinate the activities of National Service Personnel and graduate interns training programme assigned to the Department as well as the performance evaluation of same.
Senior Programme Officer & Principal Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Agency, Mining Department
09.2010 - 01.2016
- Officer responsible for small and exploration sub-sectors at the mining department.
- Deputized for the Head of Department when the substantive Head was not at post.
- Supervised and coordinated the environmental assessment administration of small and medium scale mining applications.
- Coordinated and participated in the desktop review of Environmental Assessment Reports submitted by Mining Companies for environmental permits.
- Quality assured permit/ certificate schedules of small and medium scale applications as well as selected large scale mining applications.
- Investigated and referred complaints to relevant EPA Regional Offices as well as other government institutions.
- Participated in Compliance Enforcement Monitoring exercises.
- Coordinated the implementation of Environmental Education/ Public sensitization programmes.
- Facilitated and participated in Public Hearings of large-scale mining projects.
- Facilitated the conduct of Environmental Performance Rating & Disclosure field audits commonly referred to as “AKOBEN” audits.
- Networked with relevant stakeholders for the effective delivery of the Agency’s mandate.
- Periodically trained the Agency’s Regional and Area Officers.
- Provided technical assistance to proponents seeking environmental approval for various mining sector projects.
Senior Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Agency, Accra District Office
01.2008 - 09.2010
- Deputized for the Head of Department when the substantive Head was not at post.
- Trained National Service Personnel as well as interns who were assigned to the Office.
- Drew annual Work Plans and collated quarterly and annual reports for the Office.
- Coordinated compliance enforcement monitoring exercises of industrial and selected commercial establishments.
- Undertook environmental assessment of undertakings/projects submitted to the Agency for the purpose of obtaining environmental permits.
- Reviewed environmental assessment reports of proposed undertakings.
- Conducted environmental education to sensitize the public about significant environmental issues.
- Networked with relevant stakeholders for the delivery of the Agency’s mandate.
Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Accra District Office & Tema District Office
07.2002 - 02.2003
- Investigated and resolved environmental related complaints by individuals and industries.
- Undertook environmental assessment of undertakings/projects submitted to the Agency for the purpose of obtaining environmental permits.
- Reviewed environmental assessments reports of proposed undertakings.
- Undertook compliance enforcement monitoring of industrial and selected commercial establishments.
- Compiled quarterly and annual reports of the Office.
Researcher (Obuasi Project)
Third World Network (TWN- Africa), Accra
02.2002 - 11.2002
- Led the research project on investigating the effects of mining activities on Obuasi and its surrounding communities.
- Carried out the scientific aspects of the research.
- Coordinated the activities of other co-opted team members such as the sociological, economic and health specialists.
- Led focus group discussions involving stakeholders on subject matter.
- Collated the report from the co-opted specialists to produce a draft report, as well as collated review comments to prepare a final draft report for TWN.
Laboratory Assistant (Industrial Attachment)
Environmental Chemistry Division, Water Research Institute (WRI) of the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Accra
01.1999 - 03.1999
- Collected wastewater samples from designated sampling points in the Accra Metropolis.
- Analysed these samples for parameters which are indicative of environmental pollution in the laboratory.
- Performed laboratory analyses of both fresh and wastewater samples submitted to CSIR by clients which include government agencies, research institutions, industrial concerns as well as individuals.
Demonstrator/Teaching Assistant (National Service)
University of Ghana, Department of Geology, Accra
11.1997 - 07.1998
- Organized practical lessons (Laboratory work).
- Organized tutorials for students.
- Graded students’ performance in examinations.
Teacher (National Service)
Navrongo Secondary School, Upper East Region, Navrongo, Ghana
11.1992 - 07.1993
- Taught Science and Mathematics.
- Graded students’ performance in examinations.
Education
Master of Philosophy - Environmental Science
University of Ghana, Legon
12.2001
Bachelor of Science (Honors) - Geology
University of Ghana, Legon
06.1997
Skills
- Environmental assessment
- Environmental management systems
- Regulatory compliance
- Compliance monitoring
- Technical assistance
- Team management
- Strategic policy formulation
- Public sensitization
- Stakeholder engagement
- Strategic planning
- Report writing
- Quality assurance
- Training coordination
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Affiliations
- Group Lead, Thematic Technical Working Group on Economic Development and Resource Use for the preparation of the 2025 State of the Environment Report (August 2025 in progress)
- Member, National Vetting Committee for the review of Small-Scale Mining Licences (April to July 2025)
- Member, Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI) Multi- Stakeholder Group (2021 to date)
- Member, Mining Sub- committee, GHEITI, (2021 to date)
- Member, Responsible Small-scale Mining Awards Committee (November to December 2021)
- Member, National Vetting Committee for Small-Scale Miners (August to November 2018)
- Member, Technical Working Group for the preparation of National Action Plan (NAP) under the Minamata Convention (June 2017 to 2020)
- Member, Institutional Technical Review Committee for the EPA’s Extractive Industries (2011 to date)
- Member, Institutional Technical Committee on Mineral Titles of the Minerals Commission (March 2015 to date)
Certification
Lead Auditor
SELECTED TRAINING CONDUCTED, COURSES AND PRESENTATIONS DELIVERED
- A training programme for Environmental Protection Agency Regional/ District Officers on Small-scale mining, processing and Environmental Management at Institute of Environmental Studies, Accra, Ghana, 9-13 October 2023.
- “Environmental Impact Assessment for Artisanal and Small- scale Mining and Large- Scale Mining” at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum (IGF) on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development in Geneva, Switzerland, 18 October 2017.
- “Module 8: The Obligations of the Environmental Protection Agency” at a workshop on Artisanal and Small -scale mining in Ghana and the role of Ghana Geological Survey Authority, 19 September 2017, Accra, Ghana.
- A five-module Environmental Management course delivered during the Natural Resources and Environmental Governance- Technical Assistance Project organized for District Officers of the Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, July 2016.
- EIA Training Seminar organised for the large- scale gold mining companies and consultants in collaboration with the Ghana Chamber of Mines at the Royal Senchi Hotel from 25-29 May 2015.
- “Environmental Assessment Administration within the Mining Department” organised for the Agency’s Head Office and selected Regional Offices staff, 15-17 April 2015.
- “Land Rehabilitation Requirements for Artisanal and Small- Scale mining operations”. A training course conducted for Mines Inspectors of the Minerals Commission under the auspices of the University of Queensland, Brisbane and held at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa, March 2015.
- A training programme for Environmental Protection Agency Regional/ District Officers on Small-scale mining, processing and Environmental Management at Mac- Dic Royal Plaza Hotel, Koforidua, 27-30 November 2012.
- “The impact of mining in Ghana, Environment vs. Economy”. Environmental Management Course, Natural Resource Module IV conducted for the Institute of Local Government Studies Accra on 29 March 2004.
- Panel on “Decarbonization in the Mining Sector”, West African Clean Energy and Environment Trade Fair and Conference (WACEE 25), 11-12 November 2025, Palm Convention Centre, Accra.
- Panel on “Technical Trailblazers- Women Leading Innovation and Operations in African Mining”, 11th West and Central Africa Mining (WACAM) Summit and Expo 2025, 25-26 September 2025, Kempinski Hotel, Accra.
- Panel on “Alternatives and Good Practice Examples from the field”, 14th International Africa Day Conference, 30 May 2025, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- Sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6) Geneva, Switzerland, 3-7 November 2025
- Mining in Motion Summit, Kempinski Hotel, Accra, Ghana, 2-4 June 2025.
- EIA Training in Environmental and Social Risk Management and Environmental and Social Framework, World Bank Country Office, Accra, Ghana, 8-10 April 2025.
- Africa Regional Meeting on Mercury and E-Waste Pollution Management of Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Programme (AEHPMP), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 4-12 November 2024.
- 4th West Africa Mining Security (WAMS) Conference, Accra, Ghana, 1-2 October 2024.
- PlanetGOLD Global Forum on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASGM), Manila, Philippines, 3-5 June 2024.
- Africa Regional Meeting on Mercury and E-waste Pollution Management of Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management Programme (AEHPMP), Accra, Ghana, 6-11 May 2024.
- Certified Masterclass on ESG, SDGs & Sustainability. Insights and Strategy, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)Training Institute, Accra, Ghana, 20-22 February 2024.
- United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28), Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 3-12 December 2023.
- Fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5) Geneva, Switzerland, 30 October - 03 November 2023.
- 2023 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Global Conference, Dakar, Senegal, 11-15 June 2023.
- United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27), Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, 13-18 November 2022.
- Fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-4) – (Second segment) Bali, Indonesia, 21-25 March 2022.
- United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26), Glasgow, Scotland, 8-12 November 2021.
- Third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-3) Geneva, Switzerland, 25-29 November 2019.
- ISO 14001:2015- Environmental Management Systems Auditor/ Lead Auditor Training Course, Accra, Ghana, 10 June 2019.
- Second meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-2) Geneva, Switzerland, 19-23 November 2018.
- Training on International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards, Institute of Environmental Studies, Accra, Ghana, 10-12 April 2018.
- Workshop to develop tools for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Compliance Monitoring, Institute of Environmental Studies, Accra, Ghana, 4-6 April 2018.
- First meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-1), Geneva, Switzerland, 24-29 September 2017.
- Workshop on Artisanal and Small -scale mining in Ghana and the role of Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Accra, Ghana, 18-21 September 2017.
- Short Course in “Mine Closure and Post Closure Planning”, Accra, Ghana, 20-24 March 2017.
- Workshop on “Human Rights and Security for Extractive Industries”, West Africa Regional Training Center, Accra, Ghana, 21-24 June 2016.
- Workshop on “Baseline Inventories of mercury use in Artisanal and Small- Scale Gold mining”, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 3-5 May 2016.
- Workshop on “Emergency preparedness and dangerous goods handling”, Tema, Ghana, 23-24 July 2015.
- Short Course in “Managing the Social and Environmental Impacts of Mining”, jointly held in Brisbane, Australia & Madagascar, 3 November- 18 December 2014.
- Training Programme on “Criminal Law for Prosecutors of the Environmental Protection Agency”, Judicial Training Institute, Accra, Ghana, 11-27 August 2014.
- Executive Short Course in “Mining Law and Policy for Sustainable Development in Ghana”, University of Ghana, Faculty of Law, Legon, 14-18 July 2014.
- Second Global Forum on Artisanal and Small- Scale Gold Mining, Peru, 3-5 September 2013.
- Course on “Involuntary Resettlement”, International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) Global Conference, Calgary, Canada, 13-16 May 2013.
- “Urban and Industrial Environmental Management Workshop: The Singapore Model”, National University of Singapore, 9-15 December 2009.
- Audited course in “Topics in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy: Living in a Greenhouse”, Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, USA, Fall Term of 2005.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
- International Association for Impact Assessment [IAIA], Member
- International Association for Impact Assessment- Ghana [IAIA- Gh], Member
- Women in Mining- Ghana, Member
PAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS
- Akabzaa, T. M., Kortasi B. & Seyire, J. (2011). Status of Acid Mine Drainage and Metal Leaching Studies in Ghana. Pgs 155-188. Book Chapter in: Mine Drainage and Related Problems. Edited by Robinson B.C. Nova Science Publishers Inc.
- Akabzaa, T. M., Somuah, S., Afriyie, K. & Seyire, J. S. (2010). Health influences of Mining Activities on Local Communities at the Periphery of Mining Facilities in the Obuasi Area. Journal of Art & Humanities, Vol 1. No. 1.
- Akabzaa, T. M., Seyire, J. S. & Afriyie, K. (2007). The Glittering Façade. Effects of mining activities on Obuasi and its surrounding communities. Third World Network- Africa (TWN- Africa) 124pp.
- Akabzaa, T. M., Banoeng- Yakubo, B & Seyire, J. S. (2007). The impact of mining activities on water resources in the vicinity of the Obuasi mine. West African Journal of Applied Ecology, Vol. 11.
- Akabzaa, T. M., Banoeng- Yakubo, B & Seyire, J. S. (2005). Heavy metal contamination in some mining communities within the Jimi River basin in Ashanti Region, Ghana. Journal of the Ghana Science Association.
- Seyire, J. S. (2001). The Environmental Impact of Acid Mine Drainage: A Case Study of the abandoned Konongo Mine, Ghana. (M. Phil. Thesis unpublished).
- Seyire, J. S. (1997). Geology of the Gonten- Appolonia- Okyibleku- Dodowa and Surrounding Areas (NE of Accra). (B. Sc. Dissertation unpublished)
EXTRA- CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
National President, Hayil Ladies’ Ministry of Fountain Gate Chapel (August 2018 to March 2024) – Encouraged the spiritual and personal growth of women, facilitated the discovery, development, and use of spiritual gifts in service opportunities by providing leadership and direction to all activities of the Ministry. Partner Relations Executive, Eastwood Anaba Ministries (EAM) [March 2015 to date] - Maintain sustainable relationships with EAM Partners as well as providing them with access to the available range of resources of the Ministry. Member, Family Life Committee, Fountain Gate Chapel- The Gate Pastures, Ofankor (June 2007 to date) - Provide pre- and post-marital counselling to couples as well as support for families in the Church. Coastal Zone Coordinator, Hayil Ladies Ministry of Fountain Gate Chapel (January 2013 to August 2018) - Coordinated the activities of women in the twenty-six (26) member Churches which fell within the Zone geared at their spiritual, social as well as economic empowerment. Vice President, Hayil Ladies Ministry of Fountain Gate Chapel, Empowerment Pastures, Ofankor (February 2009 to December 2015).
PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Technical Officer (Mining Expert) on the GEF Program on Global Opportunities for Long-term Development of Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Sector Plus – GEF GOLD+ (also known as planetGOLD Ghana project) which seeks to achieve Global Environmental Benefits by reducing mercury use from ASGM practices by addressing root causes of informality, capacity limitations of ASGM actors to access finance, technology and geologic information required to improve gold extraction and recovery techniques (2022 to date)., Technical Officer (Mining Expert) on the World Bank program on Africa Environmental Health and Pollution Management (Ghana Project) which seeks to reduce exposure to mercury and uPOPs pollution in pilot sites and strengthen the institutional capacity to manage and regulate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and e-waste in Ghana (2020 to date)., Mine Reclamation Working Group Focal point for the Governing Multifunctional Landscapes (GML) in Sub-Saharan Africa: Managing Trade-Offs between Social and Ecological Impacts, project in Ghana, which piloted a jurisdictional approach to landscape design and management in three commodity sectors namely cocoa, oil palm, rubber and subsequently, the inclusion of the mineral resource sector. The creation of a Mine Reclamation Working Group comprising jurisdictional-level stakeholders in the project areas enabled discussions about the mineral resource sector in relation to the other three commodity sectors (March 2022 to April 2023).
AWARDS/ FELLOWSHIPS
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Knowledge Co-Creation Program on Capacity Building for Ratification and Implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, Japan (2020), Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) Yukon Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Fellowship Study Mission, Canada (2018), Australia Awards- Africa Fellowship for the six weeks Short Course in Managing the Social and Environmental Impacts of Mining held jointly in Brisbane, Australia & Madagascar (2014), MacCallien Prize for the best graduating student in Geology, University of Ghana (1997)
References
- Michael Sandow, Ali, Head of Mining Department, michael.ali@epa.gov.gh, +233 (0)50 1301523, (0)244604048, Environmental Protection Authority, Accra
- David, Atta-Peters, Graduate Chair, datta@ug.edu.gh, +233 (0)24 4638511, University of Ghana, Department of earth Science, Legon, Legon
- Ebenezer, Appah-Sampong, Former Deputy Executive Director/ Technical Services, kwabenaappahsampong@yahoo.com, +233(0)501301746, (0)277163050, Environmental Protection Agency, Accra
Hobbies
Engaging in reading, music, mentoring young adults and family life counseling.
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Kasem
Upper intermediate (B2)
Twi
Upper intermediate (B2)
Ga
Intermediate (B1)
Timeline
Acting Director
Environmental Protection Authority, Mining Department
09.2025 - Current
Acting Director & Chief Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Authority, Mining Department
08.2022 - 09.2025
Senior Programme Officer & Principal Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Agency, Mining Department
09.2010 - 01.2016
Senior Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Agency, Accra District Office
01.2008 - 09.2010
Programme Officer
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Accra District Office & Tema District Office
07.2002 - 02.2003
Researcher (Obuasi Project)
Third World Network (TWN- Africa), Accra
02.2002 - 11.2002
Laboratory Assistant (Industrial Attachment)
Environmental Chemistry Division, Water Research Institute (WRI) of the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Accra
01.1999 - 03.1999
Demonstrator/Teaching Assistant (National Service)
University of Ghana, Department of Geology, Accra
11.1997 - 07.1998
Teacher (National Service)
Navrongo Secondary School, Upper East Region, Navrongo, Ghana
11.1992 - 07.1993
Bachelor of Science (Honors) - Geology
University of Ghana, Legon
Master of Philosophy - Environmental Science
University of Ghana, Legon