Questions Raised Over Alleged Chanfang Importation Amid Ghana’s Anti-Galamsey Campaign

The Government of Ghana has intensified its efforts to address illegal mining (galamsey), including measures aimed at restricting the importation, sale, and use of Chanfang machines due to concerns over their impact on the environment and water resources. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has introduced directives to regulate activities involving such equipment.

Recent concerns have emerged following allegations involving Mr. Joseph Kweku Prah, a Senior Programme Manager at the EPA’s Tema Port branch, who previously served as a teacher at Kwegyir Aggrey Senior High School.

Information circulating among some stakeholders suggests that some employees of the EPA’s Tema Port branch were reportedly dismissed in connection with issues surrounding the alleged importation of Chanfang machines. The reports further claim that Mr. Prah was involved in handling the matter through official procedures, which led to the dismissal of the affected workers.

However, additional claims have surfaced alleging that Mr. Prah may have connections to the importation of new Chanfang machines into Ghana. The allegations suggest that shipments involving more than 40-foot High Cube containers of Chanfang machines are linked to him and were intended for commercial sale.

Due to the seriousness of these allegations and Ghana’s continued efforts to combat illegal mining activities, stakeholders are calling for transparency, accountability, and an independent investigation to establish the facts and address any concerns.