The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in collaboration with the National Security and other key stakeholders, intercepted an additional 1,070 pieces of chanfang machines concealed in separate containers at the Tema Port.

The latest seizure on Tuesday night, March 3, comes just weeks after the Authority uncovered more than 200 Chanfang machines hidden in 14 shipping containers in a similar operation.

According to EPA officials, the scale of this latest interception is alarming, particularly given that the machines were reportedly destined for mining districts across the country.

Read Also: Photos: EPA busts 14 containers of illegal mining machines at Tema Port

The EPA says it is intensifying surveillance on the importation of Chanfang machines as part of broader efforts to curb environmental degradation, especially the pollution of major water bodies. The crackdown coincides with the Authority’s ongoing pilot initiative to restore polluted rivers.

Only weeks ago, the EPA deployed ionic nano-copper technology to treat the heavily polluted River Birim in the Eastern Region, at an estimated cost of $200,000 per kilometre.

Officials maintain that Chanfang machines are a major contributor to the destruction of water bodies through illegal and unregulated mining activities.

The Authority insists it will no longer sit aloof while such equipment is smuggled into the country without proper regulation and oversight.