According to Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, excavators rank among the top three imports in Ghana, with a shocking GH¢6.2 billion in value.
Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah discussed the urgent need for stricter control and regulation of excavator use, particularly in the mining and construction industries, on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, March 22.
“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.
“This new initiative aims to ensure that excavators are being used for legitimate, lawful purposes and to curb illegal mining operations,” the Minister said.
He added that in order to better monitor and control excavators, his ministry is collaborating with the Minerals Commission and other government organizations including the Ministry of Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
He promised that plans to create an efficient tracking system that incorporates interagency collaboration and digital monitoring tools are presently being reviewed.
According to the Minister, the objective is to guarantee responsibility and openness throughout the importation, registration, and operation of the excavator.
“We must make sure that any excavator imported in the country is tracked, has a purpose, and we know exactly where they are 24 hours a day,” he noted.