Military destroys Changfan machine on Densu River, sparking controversy over dredging vs. illegal mining

A tense situation has developed at Tetegu near Weija following the destruction of a Changfan machine on the Densu River by military personnel, an action that has ignited a debate over the legality and purpose of activities along the critical waterway .

The incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 3, 2026, has raised significant questions about whether the equipment was being used for legitimate flood-control efforts or for illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey .

“Legitimate Dredging” Claimed by Assembly

Wilfred Ayitey Blankson, the Presiding Member of the Weija Gbawe Municipal Assembly, has moved to quell concerns of illegal mining. He stated that the activities were legitimate dredging works with the full knowledge and approval of the Assembly . According to Blankson, private individuals and entities were undertaking the exercise to remove accumulated silt from the river, thereby improving its capacity to carry water and reducing the risk of flooding in communities like SCC, Oblogo, and Pambros .

“We can all attest to what happened when the dam was spilled and the rains set in; the Municipality went through a lot,” Blankson explained, emphasising the necessity of the works to prevent a repeat of past flood damage .

Operators Question Military’s Use of Force

The volunteers and engineers operating the machine, affiliated with Everlasting Abundance Company, have expressed shock at the military’s heavy-handed approach. They allege that four military personnel and a police officer fired shots into the machine before pulling it out and setting it ablaze .

Nana Kwame Ofori, one of the engineers, questioned why the military would destroy the equipment rather than arresting the operators if an illegal activity was suspected. He maintained that the dredging was a voluntary effort by concerned residents and had received permission from the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Chief Executive, Felix Odartey Lamptey .

Legal and Environmental Context

The destruction occurs within the context of a nationwide crackdown on galamsey, with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) having issued a directive in October 2025 prohibiting the fabrication, importation, and use of Changfan machines due to their severe environmental impact . These machines, used in alluvial mining, have been banned under the Environmental Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1124), and have been identified as a major source of river pollution and siltation .

The Weija Dam, which sits on the Densu River, supplies approximately 80% of Accra’s drinking water. The presence of the machine and the ensuing controversy have heightened concerns among residents about the potential for pollution of this critical water source .

Calls for Investigation

The incident has left many in the community questioning the nature of the operations, with some community leaders and the local chief stating they were not officially informed about the activities . The group of volunteers behind the dredging is now demanding a formal explanation from the authorities regarding the military’s actions and the alleged use of firearms .

Both suspects in a separate, related drug operation remain in NACOC custody, with the incident adding to a week of heightened security operations in the Greater Accra region .