 has announced the ban on the manufacturing, importation, sale, and use of “Changfan” machines.){kind=link}
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced the ban on the manufacturing, importation, sale, and use of “Changfan” machines.
According to the EPA, their decision stems from severe environmental destruction caused by illegal miners.
The EPA, in a statement, announced that the fabrication of Chanfan machines is being carried out without the necessary environmental permits.
They highlighted that while the fabrication and sale of the machines have provided income for some individuals, the destruction caused by illegal miners has led to widespread pollution of water bodies.
Part of the EPA statement read, “In exercise of the powers conferred on the Environmental Protection Authority under sections 3(2)(b) and 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124)… the following directive is hereby issued.
The directive prohibits the fabrication, importation, and use of Chanfan machines without an EPA permit. It further warns that “any workshops or shops found producing or selling these machines will be shut down, and all existing equipment will be seized and dismantled.”
The EPA, in their statement, ordered individuals, workshops, and establishments that deal in Chanfan machines to cease operations immediately.
Also, Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has said Ghana will need US$200,000 to pilot nano nano-liquid technological solution to reverse the devastation caused by illegal mining (galamsey).
According to the Executive Director EPA, the dechemicalization solution, containing a copper-based ‘nano liquid,’ has been laboratory-tested and proven effective in purifying heavily contaminated rivers.
She revealed the EPA is looking at various options, including membrane-based purification.
Speaking on JOYNEWS The Probe, October 5, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse explained, “I want to tell my fellow Ghanaians that there is still hope, because we are in a technology age”.
“Yes, there’s a nano liquid that is copper-based that can be used. That’s just one”.
She added, “We have tried this, which has been tested in Greece. I have seen for myself. We have done the test in the lab for the EPA and advised the government on this; we have tested it, and it works, and it’s doable.”
“To do pilots to show to Ghanaians and even the presidents that this is doable. We need 200,000 USD if I get it today, we will do the pilot for every Ghanaian to see that with the flowing river, this particular technology can be used.”
“We are looking at all of the options, and we will have to decide on the one that is more affordable, not just cheap affordable, because it’s effective and also cost-effective”, Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse added.
In related news, Lands Minister, Hon Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revoked 278 small-scale mining licenses over regulatory breaches and expiration of licenses.
The ministry decision was announced by the Spokesperson and Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, in a Facebook post on Thursday, October 23.
The move forms part of the government’s renewed effort to bring order and accountability to the small-scale mining sector.
Paa Kwesi Schandorf highlighted that the revocation targeted operators who failed to meet environmental and safety requirements and continued mining activities without renewing their license validity period.