In a move to combat illegal mining, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will implement stringent regulations on the importation of excavators.

The new policy mandates that all excavator importers obtain official permits, enabling authorities to monitor and control the use of these machines, which are often linked to environmentally destructive illegal mining activities, commonly known as "galamsey."

President Mahama highlighted the alarming proliferation of excavators in Ghana.

It is believed that Ghana has one of the highest numbers of excavators in Africa. The unregulated influx and misuse of excavators have significantly contributed to illegal mining operations, leading to widespread environmental degradation.

Comprehensive measures to track and monitor excavators

The government's initiative extends beyond import regulation. A comprehensive tracking system is being rolled out to monitor excavators nationwide. This system involves tagging and installing tracking devices on all excavators, both newly imported and those already in the country. The Minerals Commission, in collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), will spearhead this effort.

Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, elaborated on the initiative, stating that trained enforcement officers will be stationed at ports of entry to tag incoming excavators. Simultaneously, teams will be deployed across the country to tag existing machines, starting from Accra. These teams will work in conjunction with the police and military to ensure compliance.

Additionally, the DVLA has commenced mandatory registration of all excavators entering Ghana, aiming to prevent unregistered machines from bypassing regulatory processes and being used in illegal mining operations.

Legislative support and stakeholder collaboration

To reinforce these measures, the government has presented Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462 to Parliament, seeking to remove the president's discretionary power to permit mining in forest reserves. This legislative move underscores the administration's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

The initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders, including environmental organizations and the Media Coalition Against Illegal Mining. Ken Ashigbey, a leading member of the coalition, has called for the nationwide implementation of the excavator tracking system, emphasizing its importance in curbing illegal mining activities.

Environmental and economic implications

Illegal mining has had devastating effects on Ghana's environment, leading to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The misuse of excavators in these operations exacerbates the damage, making regulation and monitoring crucial.

Furthermore, the economic implications are significant. In 2024 alone, Ghana imported excavators worth approximately GH¢6.2 billion, making them the country's third-largest import item. Authorities believe that a substantial number of these machines are diverted to illegal mining sites, highlighting the need for stringent control measures.