EPA Shuts Warehouses as Chanfan Machine Ban Enforcement Commences

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has shut down several warehouses engaged in the manufacturing, importation, and storage of banned chanfan machines as it commences an enforcement ban.

The nationwide drive which began on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, commenced with a major compliance operation in the Ashanti Region as a pilot area for the initiative.

These machines, commonly used in illegal mining (galamsey), have been identified as a major cause of water pollution and land degradation across the country.

Speaking during the activity, the Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, emphasised that the exercise forms part of the Authority’s renewed commitment to enforcing the ban and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

She noted that the fight against illegal mining requires strict compliance with environmental laws and pledged the Authority’s continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure lasting results.

The Ashanti Regional Director of the EPA, Mr. Sydney Kwaku Danso, reiterated that the Ashanti Region was selected as the pilot region for the enforcement exercise due to its prominence in small-scale mining activities.

He expressed appreciation to the security agencies and local authorities for their support and reaffirmed the region’s readiness to lead the implementation of the ban.

The EPA’s enforcement in the Ashanti Region marks the beginning of a series of nationwide compliance activities to ensure full adherence to the directive on the ban of importation, sale, and use of chanfan machines.

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