The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners is urging the government to impose restrictions on the importation of changfa engines, a major component used in illegal mining operations that involve dredging rivers for gold.
The association believes that limiting the availability of these engines will help curb mining activities that are severely polluting the country’s water bodies.
Changfa Engines Linked to River Pollution Changfa engines are commonly used in the construction of boat-like dredging machines that float on rivers, enabling miners to extract sand and gravel from riverbeds for gold.
This practice, known as “galamsey,” has led to significant water pollution, affecting the turbidity levels of rivers and threatening Ghana’s water supply.
Call for Regulation and Enforcement General Secretary of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Godwin Armah, emphasized the need for more stringent controls on the importation of changfa engines, highlighting that over 90% of these machines end up being used for illegal mining.
He suggested that only licensed importers be allowed to bring the engines into the country, with strict limits on where and how they are distributed.
Additionally, the association calls for continued deployment of security forces to remove illegal miners from river bodies.
Despite previous efforts, such as the government’s 2021 task force to combat illegal dredging, changfa boats continue to operate, wreaking environmental damage.
Govt steps to address the problem
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, also voiced the government’s commitment to apprehending individuals assembling changfa boats for illegal mining.
However, three years after the initial crackdown, the machines remain a persistent issue, with the Ghana Water Company warning of potential water shortages due to river pollution caused by galamsey.
By regulating the import and use of changfa engines, the small-scale miners believe the government can effectively reduce illegal mining activities in water bodies, contributing to the preservation of Ghana’s rivers.
