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The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed that 500 excavators have been seized from illegal mining sites across the country since he assumed office, as part of intensified efforts to combat galamsey operations.
Addressing Members of Parliament on the floor of the House on Thursday, February 26, the Minister provided an update on the government’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, which continues to pose serious environmental and security threats nationwide.
Coordinated Security Operations
Responding to questions from lawmakers, Armah-Kofi Buah explained that the confiscations were carried out through coordinated operations involving security agencies and officials of the Ministry. The operations are aimed at curbing the destruction of water bodies, forest reserves, and farmlands caused by illegal mining activities.
“Since my assumption of office, a total of 500 excavators have been seized at various illegal mining sites across the country. In addition, a total of 490 excavators have been impounded at the Tema Port awaiting clearance,” the Minister stated.
He further assured Parliament that all confiscated equipment is properly accounted for.
“I wish to state categorically that no excavator seized is missing or unaccounted for. The military and the Ministry of Lands have data on all the seized excavators and their locations,” he emphasized.
Additional Excavators Held at Port
Beyond those seized directly from illegal mining sites, the Minister disclosed that 490 excavators are currently being held at the Tema Port, pending the completion of necessary clearance processes.
Public Concerns Over Equipment Tracking
The Minister’s statement comes amid heightened public concern over the proliferation of heavy-duty mining equipment in protected areas and allegations in previous anti-galamsey campaigns that some seized machines went missing.
Government officials have reiterated their commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of confiscated equipment, as part of broader efforts to strengthen enforcement and restore degraded lands and water bodies affected by illegal mining.