The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has launched an unannounced enforcement operation in the Amansie Central District to target shops sellin
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has launched an unannounced enforcement operation in the Amansie Central District to target shops selling Changfan mining machines and related equipment used for illegal river mining.
Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, CEO of the EPA, who led the exercise, said the move is part of the government’s efforts to curb river pollution and enforce the ban on mining in water bodies.
During the operation, the EPA identified a Chinese-owned shop supplying Changfan machines, motors, and other accessories commonly used in river mining.
“We have seen that the owner is a Chinese national, and they are selling Changfan machines, motors, and other parts used for mining in our river bodies,” Prof. Browne Klutse stated. “It’s illegal to sell these floating machines. Mining in our rivers is prohibited, and the EPA is here to close down shops and businesses that support this activity.”
The EPA CEO explained that some operators disguise the sale of such machinery under the pretext of agricultural use. Investigations, however, reveal that the equipment is primarily intended for illegal mining.
“They hide under the claim that their machines can be used for agriculture, but especially in this area, we know they are used for mining in our rivers,” she said.
Prof. Browne Klutse added that the shop did not possess a valid EPA permit for selling such machinery. She warned that the Agency will not license any entity supplying equipment that supports illegal mining operations.
“As we work to clean our water bodies and stop mining in rivers, we cannot allow shops that supply the tools used for these illegal activities,” she emphasized.
The CEO reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and indicated that the EPA will intensify enforcement actions in other mining hotspots across the country.
Changfan machines, floating dredgers commonly used in galamsey, have been identified as major contributors to siltation and pollution in rivers including the Pra, Offin, and Ankobra.
The EPA’s latest operation is part of a renewed national effort to restore Ghana’s degraded river systems and enforce environmental laws targeting networks that support illegal mining.