In a major step towards ending galamsey in Ghana, the government has officially launched the ‘No Permit, No Excavator’ policy as part of its intensified fight against galamsey.
Effective immediately, this directive mandates that all excavator operations must be backed by valid mining permits and licenses or face seizure and legal consequences.
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The policy, which took effect in June 2025, was introduced by the Ministry of Transport as a direct response to the growing concerns over environmental degradation caused by illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.
According to a statement issued by the sector Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, any excavator found on a mining site without the proper documentation will be impounded, adding that the government mandated that all shipping lines cease transporting excavators into Ghana without the requisite permit.
Additionally, dealers and importers are now required to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Transport before bringing excavators into the country.
“This forms part of the government’s renewed efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and protect the country’s water bodies,” the statement read.
The new policy underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing stricter controls on mining equipment. Dealers and importers failing to adhere to the directive risk facing legal consequences, though the statement did not specify penalties.
For further details, the Ministry of Transport has directed inquiries to its official contacts: Tel +233 (0) 302 955 793, Email info@mot.gov.gh, or Website www.mot.gov.gh.
The ban is expected to spark reactions from industry players, particularly those in the construction and mining sectors, who rely heavily on excavators for legitimate operations.
The launch of the ‘No Permit, No Excavator’ policy signals a renewed government commitment to ending illegal mining and protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
As the galamsey ‘No Permit, No Excavator’ fight intensifies, all eyes will be on how strictly the new regulations are enforced — and whether they will finally bring about lasting change.
