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The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), noting the destructive effects of “Changfan” mining machines on Ghana’s rivers and ecosystems, has issued a broad order that forbids their manufacture, importation, sale, and use throughout the nation.
The Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504) are being violated by the fabrication of Chanfan machines as they are being done without the required environmental permits or authorization, according to a statement released by the Authority.
The EPA claims that although some people have made money from the production and sale of the machines, their usage in river mining has resulted in extensive water body pollution, siltation of riverbeds, and the extinction of aquatic life.
“In exercise of the powers conferred on the Environmental Protection Authority under sections 3(2)(b) and 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124)… the following directive is hereby issued,” the statement said.
The directive prohibits the fabrication, importation, and use of Chanfan machines without an EPA permit. It further warns that “any workshops or shops found producing or selling these machines will be shut down, and all existing equipment will be seized and dismantled.”
Additionally, the EPA has mandated that anyone, shops, and establishments who manufacture, import, sell, or distribute Chanfan machines immediately stop their operations.
The Authority emphasized that these operations are grave violations of national mining and environmental laws and sent a final warning to people and businesses involved in mining within water bodies to cease such unlawful activities.
According to the EPA, enforcement actions will be conducted in coordination with security authorities to guarantee complete compliance through surveillance, confiscation, and, if required, prosecution.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
