The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced a comprehensive plan to establish an effective permit issuance and tracking system for imported excavators, a move aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and safeguarding the environment.

Responding to a parliamentary question by Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe, Minister Emmanuel Amarh Kofi Buah outlined the coordinated efforts between various government agencies to streamline the importation, registration, and monitoring of earth-moving and mining equipment.

Key measures in the new system:

- Multi-Agency Framework: Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division), Ports and Harbours Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the Minerals Commission, this framework aims to regulate the entire lifecycle of imported excavators.

- Permit Issuance: The Ministry of Transport will now issue import permits only after verifying the end-use of the equipment with the Minerals Commission and DVLA.

Permits will be granted to legitimate mining or construction operators with valid licenses.

- Customs Clearance: Customs officers at all ports will only permit clearance of excavators upon presentation of approved permits endorsed by the relevant authorities.

A new clearance code within the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) will track permits and ensure accountability.

- Registration and Number Plates: Once cleared, the DVLA will assign a distinctive green-on-white identification plate to each excavator, facilitating easy identification and monitoring.

- Real-Time Tracking: All registered excavators will be fitted with tamper-proof GPS trackers managed by a dedicated Equipment Monitoring Control Room operated by the Minerals Commission.

This 24-hour facility monitors the movement and location of equipment across the country, especially in mining districts.

Minister Buah emphasised that these steps are designed to enhance transparency, reduce illegal mining, and promote responsible environmental governance.

He called on parliamentary support to ensure the successful implementation of this initiative, which aligns with the President’s directive to regulate the extractive sector more effectively.