President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that 1,200 excavators imported into the country are undergoing a strict clearance and permitting process under a new multi-agency regime designed to curb their diversion into illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Presidential Media Encounter at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, the President said the system, led by the Ministry of Transport, is a coordinated effort involving the Ministry of Finance, the GRA Customs Division, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, GRA Customs Division and the Ports and Harbors Authority, we’ve instituted a system for the proactive tracking of all imported excavators and earthmoving equipment from the port of entry,” Mr. Mahama stated.
Out of the 1,200 machines, the President disclosed that:
- 1,015 excavators have already been registered.
- 647 of them have been fitted with tracking devices by the Minerals Commission.
- An additional 315 tracking devices are expected by September 12, 2025, to enhance monitoring efforts.
The DVLA is overseeing the registration process, while the Minerals Commission is spearheading the tracking installations.
Mr. Mahama further revealed that 600 excavators remain at the Tema Port, awaiting clearance under the new procedure, which requires approval from the Transport Ministry, Customs, DVLA, and the Minerals Commission before release.
The President stressed that the new regulatory system is designed to ensure accountability, close loopholes, and strengthen Ghana’s anti-galamsey campaign.
“This is to make sure that every single piece of equipment is accounted for, from the moment it lands at our ports to where it is finally deployed,” he said.
The announcement follows growing concern over the influx of earth-moving equipment into Ghana. Recent findings by Joy Research highlighted fears that such machinery could be channelled into unregulated mining operations, contributing to environmental degradation and water pollution.
President Mahama assured Ghanaians that the new clearance and monitoring framework will significantly reduce the risk of excavators being diverted into illegal mining activities, while ensuring legitimate businesses access the equipment under proper regulation.
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