The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued a directive with immediate effect prohibiting the fabrication, importation, sale, and use of “Chanfan” machines without an EPA permit. According to the EPA, the ban has become necessary as the use of chanfan in mining operations within rivers has caused severe environmental destruction, including the pollution of water bodies, siltation of riverbeds, and loss of aquatic biodiversity. The EPA further cautioned that “any workshops or shops found producing or selling these machines will be shut down, and all existing equipment will be seized and dismantled.” In a statement issued on October 29, 2025, the EPA noted that the fabrication of Chanfan machines is being carried out without the necessary environmental permits or authorisation, in violation of the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124) and the Environmental Protection (Environmental Assessment) Regulations, 2025 (L.I. 2504). The EPA has also ordered all individuals, workshops, and establishments involved in the fabrication, importation, sale, or distribution of Chanfan machines to cease operations immediately. The Authority issued a final warning to individuals and companies engaged in mining within water bodies to stop such illegal activities, emphasizing that these acts constitute serious violations of national environmental and mining laws. The EPA said it will embark on enforcement operations, in collaboration with security agencies to ensure full compliance with this directive through monitoring, seizure, and prosecution where necessary. For further information or enquiries, the public can contact the Environmental Protection Authority via email: client.relations@epa.gov.gh or Tel: 0506694760/0507227726 or visit www.epa.gov.gh.