GHS 6.2 million worth of excavators imported under Akufo-Addo—Minerals Commission PRO

Dela Edem, the Public Relations Officer of the Minerals Commission, shared important information. He stated that Ghana imported excavators worth GHS 6.2 million during former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration. This highlights how illegal mining drives demand for heavy machinery.

On April 16, 2025, Mr. Edem spoke on Ghana Yensom with host Otafrigya Kaayire Kwesi Apea-Apreku. He noted that under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, excavators became the third most imported item in Ghana. He linked the rise in excavator imports to illegal mining, or galamsey.

Mr. Edem accused the previous administration of allowing this trade to thrive. He claimed politically connected individuals were involved in these activities. “Excavators were the hottest commodities under the NPP,” he said.

He praised President John Dramani Mahama’s current government for its firm stance on illegal mining. The Mahama administration has banned indiscriminate excavator imports to combat this issue. However, responsible mining companies can still import excavators under strict conditions.

To ensure compliance, the Minerals Commission now installs trackers on all imported excavators. These devices prevent unauthorized movement of machinery without approval. Any unauthorized movement makes the equipment inoperable.

Additionally, Mr. Edem mentioned a ban on importing floating dredging machines known as Chanfan. These machines are often used in riverbed mining operations. “These measures show the NDC government's commitment to tackling illegal mining,” he explained.

While acknowledging that mining cannot be completely banned, Mr. Edem stressed promoting responsible practices is essential moving forward. In 2024, Ghana earned $