Accra, Feb. 26 – The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that 500 excavators have been impounded from illegal mining sites across the country as part of ongoing enforcement efforts against galamsey.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday, the Minister stated that the seizures were carried out following his assumption of office, targeting unauthorised mining activities in multiple regions.
He further informed the House that an additional 490 excavators are currently being held at Tema Port awaiting clearance procedures. According to him, strict inventory controls have been instituted to ensure transparency and accountability in the handling of confiscated equipment.
Responding to concerns about previously reported disappearances of seized machinery, Mr. Buah assured Members of Parliament that all excavators remain properly documented. He emphasised that both the military and the Ministry maintain comprehensive records detailing the number, status and locations of the machines.
The Minister, who also serves as the National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Ellembele, indicated that the clampdown reflects heightened scrutiny over the deployment of heavy-duty mining equipment in restricted and environmentally sensitive areas.
The update comes amid sustained national attention on the environmental degradation associated with illegal small-scale mining and calls for stricter enforcement mechanisms to safeguard forest reserves and water bodies.
GHBUSS
26 February 2025
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