President John Dramani Mahama has revealed plans to introduce a permit system for importing excavators into Ghana, as part of efforts to tighten oversight and curb illegal mining activities.
Speaking at the Global Mining Summit in Accra on Monday, June 2, 2025, the President stated that the new system will ensure all imported excavators are properly documented and monitored to track their usage.
He expressed concern over the sheer number of excavators in Ghana, claiming the country currently holds more of the machines than the rest of Africa combined.
According to President Mahama, the proliferation of excavators has played a major role in environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. The proposed permit framework, he explained, is intended to help law enforcement and regulatory agencies trace the machines and prevent their misuse.
The initiative is part of broader government measures aimed at restoring order to Ghana’s mining sector and protecting natural resources from further destruction.
