The government of Ghana has placed a temporary ban on the importation of excavators into the country.
The decision was taken by President Nana Akufo-Addo’s Cabinet at a sitting on 27 March 2019.
The ban forms part of moves by the government to fight illegal small-scale mining in the country, popularly known as galamsey.
The temporary ban takes effect from 1 May 2019.
“This has become necessary following government’s decision to combat illegal mining phenomenon, popularly referred to as galamsey,” a statement signed by the Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah said.
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry have been notified about the ban.
Excavators are one of the main equipment used by illegal miners in their operation which leaves devastating effects on Ghana’s land and water resources.
Meanwhile since the fight against illegal mining began, over one hundred excavators have been seized and over 20 excavators
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Section 99 of the Minerals and Mining Act 2015, under Offences and Penalties states that seized equipment must be kept in the custody of the police.
