By Prince Ahenkorah
Ghana’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), has announced with immediate effect the total ban on the fabrication, importation, sale, and use of Changfan machines. These machines, , have long been blamed for the country’s worsening water pollution crisis and environmental devastation.
In a strongly worded statement, the EPA said the decision follows years of reckless environmental abuse tied to the operations of Changfan-powered galamsey miners who dredge riverbeds in search of gold.
The Authority described the ban as a bold move to protect Ghana’s rivers, aquatic ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them for drinking water and livelihoods.
According to the EPA, many individuals and workshops across the country have been secretly fabricating these machines without the necessary environmental authorization; a clear breach of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection Regulations, 2025.
The EPA stressed that while these activities have created short-term income for some, the long-term cost to the environment and public health is far greater.
“The fabrication and use of Changfan machines have caused extensive siltation of riverbeds, destruction of aquatic life, and pollution of major water bodies. Our rivers are choking, our fish are dying, and our communities are being deprived of clean water,” the statement said.
Citing its mandate under Sections 3(2)(b) and 35 of the Environmental Protection Act, the EPA has issued a strict directive prohibiting anyone from fabricating, importing, selling, or using Changfan machines without an EPA permit.
It warned that all shops found producing or selling these machines will be shut down immediately, and any existing Changfan equipment will be confiscated and dismantled.
The Authority further ordered all individuals, artisans, and companies involved in the Changfan trade, whether through fabrication, importation, sale, or distribution, to cease operations with immediate effect.
In addition, the EPA issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating within water bodies, describing such activities as unacceptable violations of Ghana’s environmental and mining laws.
The Authority vowed to intensify collaboration with the security agencies to clamp down on offenders through a series of enforcement operations involving surveillance, seizure, and prosecution.