Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has revealed measures taken by the NDC government to combat illegal mining, including the seizure of 425 excavators and the detention of over 1,000 excavators at Ghana’s ports due to unverified importation claims.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament as the House adjourned sine die, Ayariga contrasted the NDC’s aggressive enforcement with what he described as the NPP’s lax approach during its tenure.
“Under the NPP, between 2023 and 2024, only 845 illegal miners were arrested and just 35 prosecuted.
Within six months of the NDC government, we have arrested 1,345 people, and most of them are being processed for court.”
He emphasized that the government has not only intensified arrests but also taken control of heavy machinery used in illegal mining operations.
“We have seized 425 excavators, and those excavators are still held by the Government of Ghana. None of them is missing”.
Ayariga further disclosed that over 1,000 excavators are currently being held at Ghana’s ports, pending verification of their intended use.
He outlined a new inter-agency protocol involving the Minerals Commission, DVLA, and Customs, aimed at preventing misuse of imported machinery.
“Now, when you import an excavator, you must justify the reason.You have to show that you have a government contract or a mining concession that requires the use of the excavator.”
To enhance monitoring, Ayariga announced that trackers and geo-fencing technology will be installed on excavators to track their movement and ensure they are used legally.
“The movement of the excavators will be monitored by the Minerals Commission, DVLA, and Customs.
Because many cannot justify their importation, we have over 1,000 excavators held up at the port.”
The Majority Leader also highlighted the government’s commitment to alternative livelihoods for displaced miners, citing increased investment in social interventions to support affected communities.
“You can’t just drive people out of illegal mining sites. You have to give them alternative livelihoods and support them”.
