The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced the impoundment of 1,200 excavators at Ghana’s ports as part of a new strategy to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister said the seized machines are currently undergoing validation before they can be cleared, as part of an inter-agency effort to regulate the importation of earth-moving equipment.
According to Mr. Buah, the move marks a significant shift in the government’s approach—focusing not just on field arrests but also on intercepting equipment before it reaches illegal mining sites.
“I’m also very excited to note that in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance under the GRA Customs Division and the Ports and Harbors Authority, we have initiated a proactive tracking of all imports of excavators and earth-moving equipment from the point of entry.”
“So far 1,200 excavators have been impounded pending validations before clearance at the port,” he stated.
He further revealed that a centralized digital platform—*the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Software*—is being deployed at the Minerals Commission to support this initiative.
The system, now at an advanced stage, will integrate key institutions including Customs, DVLA, the Ministry of Transport, National Security, NAMOS, and others, providing real-time data on equipment permits, location, and compliance status.
The initiative, Mr. Buah said, is aimed at tightening regulatory oversight, promoting transparency, and cutting off logistical support for galamsey operations before they begin.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
