EPA Intercepts 1,070 Chanfang Machines at Tema Port

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has intercepted 1,070 changfan machines at the Tema Port.

The intelligence-led operation took place on March 3, 2026.

The operation is part of efforts aimed at dismantling the Chanfang cartel responsible for the destruction of the country’s water bodies.

It comes weeks after uncovering more than 200 Chanfang machines hidden in 14 shipping containers in a similar operation.

Ban
The EPA in October 2025 banned the production, importation, and use of Chanfan machines in Ghana after observing a rising trend of their production without the required permits or environmental authorisation from the EPA.

This, it emphasised, contradicts Act 1124 and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504).

Acknowledging the production and sale of these machines for the provision of livelihoods, it said their use in mining operations within rivers has caused severe environmental destruction.

As such, it said all individuals, workshops, and establishments involved in the production, importation, sale, or distribution of Chanfan machines must cease operations immediately.

The Authority has since enforced the ban in collaboration with security agencies, warning individuals, groups, and companies engaged in mining within water bodies to stop such illegal activities immediately, noting that these actions are serious violations of national environmental and mining regulations.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/