Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has revealed that Ghana imports excavators worth $6.2 billion.
He stated that excavators rank as the third most valuable item imported into the country, despite their widespread misuse, which contributes to the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies.
To help curb illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, the government intends to restrict the importation of excavators.
“We believe the time has come to restrict the import of excavators in this country. It makes no sense that the third most valuable item we import worth $6.2 billion is excavators, which are primarily used to destroy our forest reserves and water bodies, ultimately endangering our lives,” Armah-Kofi Buah said.
“This must stop, and I believe efforts are already underway,” he stressed.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, April 3, 2024, the lands minister emphasised that the policy will not hinder legitimate businesses or construction firms.
Instead, it targets individuals and groups who use excavators for illegal and environmentally destructive activities.
SA/MA
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