The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has disclosed that 1,200 excavators have been impounded at the Tema Port as part of a nationwide effort to regulate the import and use of heavy-duty machinery in the fight against illegal mining.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 23, the Ellembelle MP explained that the operation is a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (through the GRA-Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
“We have initiated a proactive tracking mechanism for all excavators and earth-moving equipment entering the country. So far, 1,200 excavators have been impounded pending validation before clearance at the Tema Port,” he revealed.
The Minister further disclosed that more than 191 excavators are currently being monitored under a new centralised digital tracking system as part of efforts to curb illegal mining in Ghana.
This follows the deployment of a centralized digital tracking platform—the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Software—developed by the Minerals Commission.
Mr Buah said the system is at an advanced stage and forms part of a broader national strategy to bring transparency and accountability to mining operations.
“This platform will be the central point of integration for key agencies including Customs, DVLA, the Ministry of Transport, the Minerals Commission, National Security, and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS),” Mr. Kofi-Buah noted.