Ghana to regulate excavator imports to combat illegal mining

President John Dramani Mahama has announced new regulations to combat illegal mining. The government will enforce strict rules on excavator imports. All importers must now obtain official permits. This will help authorities monitor and control excavators linked to illegal mining, known as "galamsey."

President Mahama noted the alarming rise of excavators in Ghana. The country reportedly has one of Africa's highest numbers of these machines. Their unregulated use contributes significantly to illegal mining and environmental damage.

The government's initiative includes a comprehensive tracking system for excavators. This system will tag and install tracking devices on all excavators nationwide. The Minerals Commission and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) will lead this effort.

Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah explained that trained officers will tag incoming excavators at ports. Teams will also tag existing machines across the country, starting in Accra. These teams will collaborate with police and military for compliance.

Additionally, the DVLA has begun mandatory registration for all excavators entering Ghana. This aims to prevent unregistered machines from being used in illegal mining.

To support these measures, the government presented Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462 to Parliament. This seeks to remove the president's power to permit mining in forest reserves. It shows the administration's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

Various stakeholders support this initiative, including environmental organizations and the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining. Ken Ashigbey, a coalition member, emphasized the need for a nationwide tracking system for excavators.

Illegal mining severely impacts Ghana’s environment, causing deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Misuse of excavators worsens this damage, making regulation essential.

The economic implications are also significant. In 2024 alone, Ghana imported excavators worth about GH¢6.2 billion. These machines are among the country's top three imports. Authorities suspect many are diverted to illegal mining sites, highlighting the need for strict controls.