President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to implement a new permit system to regulate the importation of excavators into Ghana, aimed at strengthening oversight and combat illegal mining.
Speaking at the Global Mining Motion Summit at Kempinski Hotel in Accra on Monday, June 2, 2025, President Mahama said the initiative will require all imported excavators to be registered and tracked, ensuring their usage is properly monitored.
He raised concern about the excessive number of excavators in the country, stating that Ghana possesses more of the machines than any other African nation combined. According to the President, this surge in excavators has significantly contributed to environmental damage caused by illegal mining.
“We will track excavators as the Minister said, in order to know whether they are being used for illegal mining or not, and 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 excavators or put it on a ship unless you get a permit before you can ship an excavator,” he said.
The proposed permit system, he noted, will support law enforcement and regulatory agencies in identifying and managing excavator operations, helping to curb their illegal use.
This move forms part of a broader strategy by the government to restore order in the mining industry and safeguard the country’s natural resources.
