In 2024, Ghana imported GH₵6.2 billion worth of excavators as part of a government initiative to combat illegal mining. Military efforts led to the seizure of 60 excavators, which will be repurposed for road construction. The government is also recovering forest reserves from illegal miners and plans to amend legislation to restrict mining in these areas.
In 2024, Ghana’s government imported excavators valued at GH₵6.2 billion, responding to ongoing issues with illegal mining. This action stems from recommendations made by a working committee tasked with reassessing the mining licensing system to better tackle the challenges posed by illegal mining activities.
During a recent crackdown, the Lands Minister revealed that military forces have confiscated 60 excavators in the last two months, which are currently under the custody of Regional Ministers. Rather than being destroyed, these excavators are set to be repurposed for vital road construction projects.
Additionally, the government has made headway in reclaiming seven out of nine forest reserves previously overtaken by illegal miners. Future plans include amending legislative instrument L.I 2462, banning mining in these forest reserves and eliminating the President’s authority to issue mining licenses for such areas.
The Ghanaian government is actively working to combat illegal mining through significant measures, including the repurposing of confiscated excavators for constructive projects and the reclaiming of forest reserves. The proposed legislative amendments aim to further enhance protections against mining activities in sensitive environmental areas.
Original Source: www.adomonline.com
