The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced a nationwide ban on the fabrication, importation, sale, and use of “Changfan” mining machines, citing their harmful impact on Ghana’s water bodies and ecosystems.
Effective immediately, the directive aims to curb the widespread environmental damage caused by the machines, which are commonly used in small-scale mining operations. The EPA noted that these machines have been a major contributor to river pollution, heavy siltation, and the destruction of aquatic life.
In a statement released on October 29, 2025, the EPA explained that several individuals and workshops had been fabricating Changfan machines without the required environmental authorisation. This, the Authority said, violates the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504).
“Although the sale and manufacture of these machines may have supported livelihoods, their use in mining within rivers has led to severe environmental harm, including polluted waters, silted riverbeds, and the loss of aquatic biodiversity,” the EPA emphasized.
Citing sections 3(2)(b) and 35 of Act 1124, the Authority ordered that all individuals, workshops, and businesses involved in the production or distribution of Changfan machines cease operations immediately. It further warned that any workshop or shop found violating the directive will be closed, and all related equipment seized and dismantled.
The EPA also issued a final warning to individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining within river bodies to stop such activities, describing them as serious offenses under Ghana’s environmental and mining laws.
To ensure strict enforcement, the EPA said it will collaborate with security agencies to monitor, seize, and prosecute offenders where necessary.
This move forms part of the government’s renewed efforts to safeguard the country’s water resources and restore rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin, which have been heavily affected by illegal mining.
For further information or clarification, the public can contact the EPA via email at [email protected] or visit www.epa.gov.gh.
