The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced the seizure of an additional 1,070 Chanfang machines that were hidden in separate containers at the Tema Port on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
This recent seizure follows just weeks after the Authority discovered over 200 Chanfang machines concealed within 14 shipping containers during a similar operation.
EPA officials have expressed concern about the magnitude of this latest interception, especially given that the machines were allegedly intended for mining regions across the country.
The EPA has announced that it is enhancing its monitoring of Chanfang machine imports as part of a larger initiative to combat environmental degradation, particularly the pollution affecting major water bodies.
This enforcement action aligns with the Authority’s ongoing pilot project aimed at rehabilitating contaminated rivers.
Just weeks prior, the EPA implemented ionic nano-copper technology to address the severe pollution in the River Birim located in the Eastern Region, with an estimated expenditure of $200,000 per kilometre.
Officials have asserted that Chanfang machines significantly contribute to the degradation of water bodies due to illegal and unregulated mining practices.
They stressed that the Authority will no longer tolerate the smuggling of such equipment into the country without adequate regulation and oversight.
