President John Mahama has disclosed that 1,200 excavators imported into Ghana are currently undergoing a rigorous permitting and clearance process led by the Ministry of Transport.
Speaking at the Presidential Media Encounter at Jubilee House on Wednesday, September 10, the President said the initiative aims to tighten regulation of earthmoving equipment and prevent their diversion into illegal small-scale mining activities, popularly known as galamsey.
“In collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Finance, GRA Customs Division, and the Ports and Harbors Authority, we’ve instituted a system for proactive tracking of all imported excavators and earthmoving equipment from the port of entry,” he explained.
Out of the 1,200 machines, 1,015 have been registered, with 647 already fitted with tracking devices. The Minerals Commission is leading the installation of the devices, while the DVLA oversees registration. Another 315 tracking devices are expected to arrive by September 12, 2025, to strengthen monitoring.
Approximately 600 excavators remain at Tema Port, awaiting clearance under the new regime, which requires approval from the Transport Ministry, Customs, DVLA, and Minerals Commission before release.
President Mahama stressed that the multi-agency system will ensure accountability, close regulatory loopholes, and bolster Ghana’s fight against galamsey.
“This is to make sure that every single piece of equipment is accounted for, from the moment it lands at our ports to where it is finally deployed,” he said.
The announcement comes amid growing public concern over the influx of earthmoving equipment and its potential use in unregulated mining operations that continue to damage the environment and pollute water bodies.
