The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intercepted 1,070 Chanfang machines at the Tema Port in a major blow to an illegal mining cartel.

The interception follows a collaboration with National Security and other key stakeholders. The machines were reportedly concealed in separate containers at the Tema Port.

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In a video shared by JoyNews on March 4, 2026, EPA officials, including CEO Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, are seen questioning the importer of the containers.

The importer claimed he was informed that he could bring in the machines once he had secured a warehousing permit.

“I went to the Accra branch to inquire about the necessary steps to take, but I was told that once I have the warehousing permit, it suffices,” the man said in the video.

However, EPA officials clarified that permits are also required for both the importation and operation of the machines.

The seizure which was done on March 3, 2026, which comes just weeks after the Authority uncovered more than 200 Chanfang machines hidden in 14 shipping containers in a similar operation.

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EPA officials described the scale of the latest seizure as deeply concerning, especially since the machines were allegedly bound for several mining districts across the country.

EPA intercepts 1,070 Chanfang machines at Tema Port in major blow to illegal mining cartel.#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/cV3jcsswYx

— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) March 4, 2026