EPA Bans Production, Importation, and Use of Chanfan Machines
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has banned the production, importation, and use of Chanfan machines in Ghana.
It comes after it observed a rising trend of Chanfan machine 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.
“Any workshops or shops found producing or selling these machines will be shut down, and all existing equipment will be seized and dismantled.”
The Authority intends to enforce this measure in collaboration with security agencies.
It used the occasion to warn 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
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