The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Twifo Atti-Morkwa, Hon. Isaac Yawson, has called for a nationwide ban on the importation of chanfang machines equipment widely used in illegal mining operations, commonly known as galamsey. Speaking in an interview with Onua TV, Mr. Yawson argued that stopping the inflow of these machines would be the most effective strategy in tackling the menace. “If we stop the importation of the chanfang machine, the galamsey activities will stop,” he said.
Mr. Yawson clarified that while excavators serve multiple legal purposes and should not be banned, chanfang machines are predominantly used for illegal mining along water bodies, especially by foreign operators. “When the Chinese arrived and began using the chanfang on our water bodies, we didn’t initially understand its purpose. We only realized its impact when the water bodies started deteriorating,” he said. He emphasized that a total import ban is necessary, as the machines are short-lived and prone to frequent breakdowns, making it harder for illegal miners to sustain their operations if supplies are cut off.
While commending ongoing government and security efforts to combat illegal mining, Mr. Yawson pointed out that enforcement alone isn’t enough, as miners often return once security personnel leave. He stressed that a lasting solution requires eliminating the tools enabling the practice. The DCE further noted that government actions are aimed at halting unregulated and environmentally harmful mining, not legal operations. He also praised the local efforts of the District Security Council, which have led to a reduction in illegal mining activities along the Pra River.
