The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that the government is actively exploring measures to restrict the importation of excavators into Ghana.

This move forms part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle the menace of illegal small-scale mining, widely referred to as galamsey, which continues to wreak havoc on the nation’s environment and water bodies.

Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Thursday, the Minister voiced alarm at the scale of environmental degradation linked to galamsey activities.

He stressed the urgency of structural reforms, noting that the unregulated influx of heavy-duty machinery has made it easier for illegal miners to access forest reserves and riverbanks, where they carry out destructive operations.

Mr. Buah pointed out that excavators, in particular, have become a key tool in these illicit activities.

“It is baffling that excavators rank among the top three most imported items in this country, amounting to $6.2 billion—most of which are used to destroy our forests and pollute our water sources. This must end,” he stated emphatically.

He clarified, however, that any future restrictions on excavator imports would be carefully designed to avoid hampering legitimate construction and development projects.

The focus, he said, would be on plugging regulatory gaps that currently allow such machinery to be diverted for illegal mining.

The proposed import controls are expected to complement broader efforts by the government to curb illegal mining and restore ecological integrity in affected areas.

The Minister reaffirmed the government's resolve to act decisively, noting that ongoing consultations with stakeholders would inform the final framework for enforcement.