Rollout excavator tracking system nationwide to combat galamsey – Ken Ashigbey

The Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining has urged the government to expand its excavator tracking system. They believe this will strengthen the fight against illegal mining.

This request came during a visit to the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Control Centre. This facility monitors earth-moving equipment in mining areas. The visit took place on Wednesday, May 7.

Dr. Ken Ashigbey, the Coalition’s Convenor, emphasized the need for a nationwide rollout of the tracking system. He stated it would help curb galamsey activities significantly.

He explained that excavators are not like mobile phones; they cannot be easily hidden. With proper tracking, police can monitor their activities effectively. If an excavator is used improperly, police can identify it using a QR code at checkpoints.

Dr. Ashigbey called on the minister and CEO to scale up these efforts.

Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to ending mining in forest reserves. He announced plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act of 2003 to permanently ban such operations.

During a report on his administration's first 120 days, he outlined a strategy for reforming the mining sector. This includes legal reforms, enforcement actions, and land reclamation efforts.

President Mahama noted that seven out of nine reserves have been reclaimed from illegal miners. He mentioned that illegal miners have been removed from these forest areas.

As part of this initiative, he presented legislative instrument L.I. 2462 to Parliament on March 20, 2025. This amendment aims to change regulations regarding mining in forest reserves.

The amendment will remove the president’s power to permit mining in these protected areas.