Questions Raised Over Alleged Chanfang Importation Amid Anti-Galamsey Enforcement Efforts

The Government of Ghana has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining (galamsey), including restrictions on the importation, sale, and use of Chanfang machines due to concerns about their harmful impact on the environment and water bodies. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued directives aimed at regulating activities involving such machines.

Concerns have recently emerged regarding allegations involving Mr. Joseph Kweku Prah, a Senior Programme Manager at the EPA's Tema Port branch, who previously worked as a teacher at Kwegyir Aggrey Senior High School.

According to information circulating among some stakeholders, some workers at the EPA's Tema Port branch were reportedly dismissed  over issues relating to the alleged importation of Chanfang machines. The reports claim that Mr. Prah played a role in addressing the matter through official channels thus the workers were dismissed .

However, further investigation claims that,  Mr. Prah have currently links to the importation of new  Chanfang machines into Ghana. Currently,  over 40-foot High Cube containers shipment of Chanfang machines are connected to him and were intended for sale.

Given the seriousness of the matter and Ghana's ongoing fight against illegal mining, stakeholders are calling for transparency and an independent investigation to establish the facts.