Ghana Government to trace suspected owners of galamsey excavators

The Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has disclosed that the government is tracing the owners of excavators seized from illegal mining sites by tracking their chassis numbers.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Dr. Boamah said the identification of the machinery is part of ongoing efforts to address the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

He described the galamsey operations as “an environmental sin against humanity and God,” and revealed that some chassis numbers have already been secured.

“These chassis numbers will aid President Mahama’s determined and sustained fight against galamsey,” Dr. Boamah wrote.

He added that security agencies, working with the Ghana Police Service, are using the information to trace the individuals responsible for importing and purchasing the equipment.

“Who imported the excavators? Who bought them? For what purpose? Why are they being used for galamsey?” Dr. Boamah questioned, suggesting that the answers may help expose the individuals behind the illegal mining trade.

He explained that the government is pursuing what he described as a “root and branch” approach, which involves going beyond arrests at mining sites to uncover those who finance or facilitate the activities.

Dr. Boamah stated that the initiative is consistent with the position of President John Dramani Mahama, who, as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, has made tackling illegal mining a major priority.

He commended the Ghana Police Service for its cooperation and urged continued support from relevant institutions as the government works to address the impact of galamsey on water bodies, farmlands, and affected communities.