NPP failed to monitor excavators, but things have changed under Armah-Kofi Buah – Lands Ministry spokesperson

The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has significantly improved its oversight of excavators imported into the country, following years of weak regulatory monitoring. Excavators were commonly used in illegal mining activities between 2017 and 2024 due to a lack of effective controls, according to the Ministry's spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf.

The Ministry, now led by Minister Armah-Kofi Buah, has implemented stricter requirements and GPS tracking systems to prevent these heavy-duty machines from being diverted to unauthorized mining sites. Schandorf explained that the difference in regulation between the NPP and the current administration is evident in the measures now in place.

During the NPP's tenure, there was no robust system to supervise excavator importation or track their movements once they entered the country. Under the current system, prospective importers must obtain clearance from both the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, proving they are legitimate small-scale miners and providing a legitimate purpose for the equipment's importation.

Additionally, approved excavators must be fitted with GPS tracking devices to monitor their movements and prevent unauthorized use. Currently, approximately 1,300 excavators are under this monitoring system. Schandorf also revealed that between 5,000 and 6,000 excavators were impounded due to insufficient justification for their importation, highlighting the increased scrutiny under the new framework.

This represents a significant improvement from the previous situation, where thousands of unregulated excavators could have entered the country and potentially contributed to environmental destruction in mining communities.