Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that 1,200 excavators imported into Ghana have been impounded at the Tema Port as part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal use of heavy machinery in galamsey operations.
Providing an update on sectoral developments on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister explained that the seized equipment is currently undergoing validation and verification before any potential clearance. The move is part of a broader tracking and regulatory initiative aimed at controlling the importation and deployment of earth-moving equipment linked to illegal mining.
“So far, 1,200 excavators have been impounded pending validation before clearance at the Tema Port,” Mr. Buah stated.
Multi-Agency Enforcement Effort
The Minister attributed the success of the operation to strengthened collaboration between key institutions, including:
- Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
- Ministry of Transport
- Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division)
- Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority
These agencies are working together to enforce stricter monitoring at the country’s entry points to prevent the misuse of imported mining equipment.
NAIMOS: The Nerve Centre of Ghana’s Galamsey Response
Mr. Buah also highlighted the role of the newly launched National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), describing it as the “operational nerve centre” of the country’s anti-galamsey efforts.
“NAIMOS embodies Ghana’s coordinated response to the scourge of illegal mining, integrating security, environmental, and legal responses into a unified operational strategy,” he said.
The impoundment at Tema Port marks a significant step in Ghana’s renewed crackdown on illegal small-scale mining, which continues to threaten the environment and public health.
