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President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned shipping agencies that they will face sanctions if they import excavators into Ghana without the required permits.
Speaking at a stakeholder dialogue with civil society groups in Accra on Friday, October 3, the President said the move is part of measures to curb the use of excavators in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
“The law says you must get a permit before importing an excavator. If you bring one without approval, we shall penalise the shipping agency for carrying it to Ghana,” he warned.
Mahama disclosed that the government inherited a backlog of excavators left at the ports due to weak enforcement of regulations. Many of the machines had to be moved to military facilities at Shai Hills and other sites to decongest the ports.
He announced that new reforms require all excavators to be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), with clear ownership records. Tracking devices are also being installed to monitor their movement and ensure accountability.
The President explained that while excavators are used legitimately by road contractors and other businesses, regulation is necessary. “We must know where each excavator is being used, and hold owners responsible if their machines are found in forest reserves or engaged in illegal mining,” he said.
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