President John Mahama has outlined stringent measures to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ by tightening regulations on the importation of excavators.
He revealed that Ghana currently has more excavators than any other African country, a situation he says is fuelling the galamsey menace.
Speaking at the Global Mining Summit in Accra on June 2, 2025, President Mahama decried the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves by individuals who import excavators to engage in illegal mining activities.
To curb the problem, he announced that the government has initiated measures, including a revised permitting regime for excavator imports.
“We intend to change the permitting regime. Ghana has more excavators in this country than in the whole of Africa. We are going to change the permitting regime. You will not be allowed to import an excavator or put it on a ship unless you get a permit before you can ship an excavator,” he said.
He added that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is working with key stakeholders and security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining.
President Mahama also disclosed that, through collaboration with small-scale miners, the government has successfully reclaimed 8 out of 9 forest reserves that were previously invaded by illegal miners.
“Our river guards are working on clearing many activities in our water bodies and the banks of our rivers,” he noted.
He gave the assurance that the government will enforce environmental regulations and promote socially acceptable mining practices to protect the country’s natural resources.