The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has revealed that excavators imported into Ghana are valued at GH¢6.2 billion, ranking among the country’s top three highest imports.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 22, Mr. Kofi Buah underscored the need for stricter regulation and oversight of excavator usage, particularly in the mining and construction sectors.
“We must ensure that every excavator entering the country is properly tracked, has a legitimate purpose, and that we can pinpoint its exact location 24 hours a day,” he emphasised.
According to the minister, the initiative aims to curb illegal mining activities and ensure excavators are used for lawful purposes.
He further disclosed that his ministry is working closely with the Minerals Commission, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the Ministry of Transport to strengthen monitoring and management mechanisms.
“Starting from the port, we are working with DVLA and others. I have had the first discussion with the Minister of Transport because we believe that other agencies must be part of this whole exercise,” he explained.
Mr. Kofi Buah assured that proposals are under review to develop an effective tracking system that will include digital monitoring mechanisms and inter-agency cooperation.
The goal, he noted, is to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage of excavator importation, registration, and use.
“We must make sure that any excavator imported into the country is tracked, has a purpose, and we know exactly where they are 24 hours a day,” he reiterated.