The Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the Minerals Commission, Dela Edem, has disclosed that during the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Ghana imported excavators valued at GHS 6.2 million—a figure he says underscores the role of illegal mining in driving demand for heavy machinery.

Speaking on Ghana Yensom on Accra 100.5 FM with host Otafrigya Kaayire Kwesi Apea-Apreku on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Mr Edem stated that under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, excavators became the third most imported item into the country.

He claimed the surge in excavator imports was closely tied to the illegal mining (galamsey) menace, accusing the previous administration of allowing the trade to thrive due to the alleged involvement of politically connected individuals.

“Excavators were the hottest commodities under the NPP. Their uncontrolled influx into Ghana was linked directly to illegal mining operations, and unfortunately, political interference allowed the situation to fester,” he alleged.

Mr Edem commended the current government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, for taking a firm stance on the issue.

He revealed that the Mahama administration has placed a ban on the indiscriminate importation of excavators, signalling a renewed commitment to curbing illegal mining.

However, he clarified that the ban does not affect companies engaged in responsible mining.

Such firms, he said, are permitted to import excavators under strict conditions.

“To ensure compliance, the Minerals Commission now installs trackers on all imported excavators.

These devices prevent the machinery from being moved from one location to another without our approval. Any unauthorised movement renders the equipment inoperable,” he explained.

In addition to the excavator importation ban, Mr Edem revealed that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has also outlawed the importation of floating dredging machines, locally referred to as Chanfan, which are commonly used in riverbed mining.

“These measures are part of a broader strategy by the NDC government to demonstrate its seriousness in tackling illegal mining,” he said.

While acknowledging that mining cannot be entirely banned, Edem emphasised that the focus going forward is on promoting responsible mining practices.

He disclosed that Ghana earned $11.6 billion from gold exports in 2024, with small-scale mining contributing $4.6 billion to that figure.

“The figures show that small-scale mining is a key part of our economy.

What we are saying is: mine responsibly, protect the environment, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he concluded.