Audio By Carbonatix
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced plans to launch a full-scale investigation into the importation of more than 200 Changfang machines seized at Tema Port, as it intensifies efforts to curb illegal mining activities.
The machines, concealed in 14 shipping containers, were intercepted on Tuesday afternoon following intelligence gathered by National Security. Authorities suspect the equipment was destined for illegal mining sites across the country.
Read also: Photos: EPA busts 14 containers of illegal mining machines at Tema Port
According to the EPA, the consignment is believed to have been imported by an unidentified Chinese national without the requisite certification and regulatory clearance.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Pulse, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, Prof. Michael Ayamba, confirmed that the Authority would conduct a comprehensive probe into how the machinery entered the country.
He stated that the equipment would remain in EPA custody at Tema Port pending the outcome of investigations.
Prof. Ayamba emphasised that the machines would not be released unless authorities were satisfied that they could not be deployed for illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
He noted that the interception formed part of a broader crackdown aimed at dismantling the supply chain that fuels environmental degradation.
Reacting to the development on the same programme, the Convener of the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining, Mr Ken Ashigbey, commended the EPA for its swift intervention.
However, he stressed that the fight against galamsey must begin at Ghana’s ports, where mining equipment should be detected and halted before it enters circulation.
Mr Ashigbey further urged the media to remain vigilant and proactive in exposing activities that threaten the country’s environment and natural resources, describing sustained public scrutiny as critical to winning the battle against illegal mining.
The latest seizure underscores renewed institutional resolve to tighten regulatory oversight and stem the influx of machinery linked to destructive mining operations.
Latest Stories
-
Mr President, Ghana was mentioned at the UN; why aren’t we talking about it?
1 hour -
Accra to convene Africa’s regulators and markets on tokenisation at AVAS 2026
1 hour -
The Paradox of Plenty — When every smartphone becomes a newsroom
2 hours -
GTA sensitises taxi drivers in ‘Know Ghana’ tourism campaign
3 hours -
Archbishop Agyinasare calls for responsible speech amid growing social media abuse
3 hours -
‘It will be inexcusable for gov’t not to honour payment of teachers’ arrears by 30th October’ – Haruna Iddrisu
3 hours -
Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026: No Ghanaian firm ranked among 900 companies
3 hours -
Electronic processing of teachers’ data: ‘The decision is the Controller’s’ – GES boss
3 hours -
Teachers’ Strike: Haruna Iddrisu questions paper-based processing of promoted teachers’ data
4 hours -
Savannah Region: Kunfusi bridge collapses again, leaving nearly 4,000 residents cut off
4 hours -
Teachers’ strike: GES targets Monday deadline to submit promotion data to Controller
4 hours -
Inflation to average 11.3% in 2027 – Fitch Solutions
4 hours -
‘I didn’t campaign for NDC to come and do this nonsense’ – Kpebu on EOCO’s conduct
4 hours -
Fitch Solutions maintains policy rate forecast of 14% by December 2026
4 hours -
Diaspora Nasara Caucus congratulates Mohammed Ali Suraj, new NPP executives
6 hours