The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed that GH₵6.2 billion worth of excavators were imported into Ghana in 2024, ranking third in the country’s import bill. He expressed concerns that many of these excavators may have been diverted to illegal mining activities.
To curb this, the Minister has urged the Ministry of Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to collaborate on measures to regulate their importation and deployment.
Ban on Floating Platforms (“Changfans”)
Mr. Buah also announced a ban on all floating mining platforms—commonly known as “Changfans”—which are widely used by illegal miners on rivers and water bodies.
New Licensing Strategy to Combat Illegal Mining
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Minister outlined new measures to tackle illegal mining. He proposed that small-scale mining licenses should be issued at the district level, with District Security Commands and mining committees playing a central role in vetting applications.
This recommendation follows an interim report from an 18-member Working Committee established last month to review Ghana’s mining licensing regime and develop a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal mining.
Seizure and Repurposing of Excavators
Over the past two months, the military task force has seized 60 excavators used for illegal mining. Instead of burning them, as was previously done, the Minister said the excavators would be reassigned for road construction projects.
Reclaiming Forest Reserves and Legal Reforms
The government has recovered seven out of nine forest reserves that were illegally taken over by miners. Additionally, plans are underway to amend Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2462) to prohibit mining in all forest reserves.
A key aspect of the amendment will be removing the President’s authority to grant mining licenses in forest reserves, ensuring that mining is strictly regulated in protected areas.
By: J.W Quarm.
