The Media Coalition Against illegal mining has called on the government to expand its excavator tracking system across the country to improve the fight against illegal mining activities.

The appeal was made during a visit to the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Control Centre on May 7, where the Coalition, together with A Rocha Ghana, observed how the facility tracks the movement of excavation machinery used in mining operations.

The Coalition's Convenor, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, emphasized the need for a nationwide rollout of the tracking system, arguing that it would be a crucial tool in curbing illegal mining activities, particularly "galamsey."

“These excavators are not like mobile phones that you can just put in your pocket. With this tracking system, the police will be able to monitor their movements. If the excavator is not being used for its intended purpose, the police should be able to tell based on the QR code on the vehicle,” he said.

He further stressed that scaling up the system is essential, adding, "We have everything we need to tackle this terrorism that is taking place."

Additionally, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to putting an end to mining in Ghana’s forest reserves. He also announced plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2003 (Act 703) to permanently prohibit mining in these areas.

During his address on the progress of his administration’s first 120 days, Mahama outlined a detailed strategy to clean up the mining sector, which includes legal reforms, enhanced law enforcement, and land reclamation efforts.

“The first 120 days have seen us take decisive action with a five-point strategy to overhaul and sanitize the mining sector,” Mahama stated. “This includes regulatory reforms, strengthening law enforcement through joint task forces, collaboration with stakeholders, and reclaiming lands that have been degraded. Seven out of nine reserves have already been reclaimed, and illegal miners have been removed.”

He also mentioned the introduction of Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2462) in Parliament on March 20, 2025, to amend the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations, which removes the president’s ability to approve mining in forest reserves.