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.