EPA Seizes 14 Containers of Illegal Mining Machines at Tema Port
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has intercepted 14 containers filled with hundreds of Chanfang mining machines at the Tema Port, as part of its intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities across Ghana.
The seizure underscores the Authority’s commitment to combating unlawful mining operations, which continue to threaten the environment and degrade natural resources. EPA officials said the containers, arriving at one of Ghana’s busiest ports, were intended for operations outside the legal mining framework, posing significant environmental and regulatory risks.
“This action is part of our renewed and vigorous efforts to curb illegal mining in the country. Illegal miners often deploy these sophisticated machines to extract minerals without consideration for environmental safety, causing soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity,” an EPA spokesperson stated.
Chanfang machines, widely used in unauthorized small-scale and artisanal mining, have been linked to extensive river pollution and landscape destruction. Authorities noted that unregulated importation and use of such equipment exacerbate the challenges of environmental management, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions.
The EPA has pledged to work closely with customs officials, port authorities, and security agencies to ensure that all future shipments of mining equipment comply with Ghanaian environmental laws.
The crackdown also serves as a warning to individuals and businesses attempting to smuggle or deploy illegal mining equipment, highlighting that non-compliance could result in confiscation, fines, and potential legal prosecution.
This latest interception is part of a broader national strategy to enforce sustainable mining practices, preserve Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and farmlands, and protect the livelihoods of communities dependent on natural resources.
The EPA continues to call on the public to report illegal mining activities and supports ongoing efforts to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining, balancing economic activity with environmental sustainability.
Authorities indicate that investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the containers and the parties responsible for their importation. The seized machines will remain in custody while legal and regulatory procedures are undertaken.
The seizure at Tema Port represents a significant step in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining and demonstrates the EPA’s commitment to safeguarding the environment for current and future generations.
