President John Dramani Mahama has outlined measures being implemented by his administration to tackle illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

Speaking at an engagement with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Accra on Friday, October 3, 2025, the president said the registration and licensing of excavators remain key steps in tracking operators involved in illegal mining.

Mahama issued a stern warning to shipping companies, cautioning that they will face sanctions if they transport excavators into Ghana without proper authorisation.

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“We shall penalise you for carrying those excavators here to Ghana without a permit,” he warned.

He stressed that every excavator in the country must be registered, with its ownership clearly identified, to ensure accountability and regulation in the mining sector.

The president further assured stakeholders that his administration is committed to tightening the enforcement regime to curb the destruction of the environment caused by galamsey activities.

MRA/AE

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