Excavators have seven days to be registered by owners and users across the nation.

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The decision is a part of government attempts to stop unlawful small-scale mining, and it was issued by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Samuel Abu Jinapor (galamsey).

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Excavator owners must register with the Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly (MMDA) in the area where the machine is in use.

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In a statement issued by the Ministry, all operators, owners and users of excavators beginning today, Monday, 24 October 2022, to Wednesday, 2 November 2022, excluding statutory holidays and weekends, are to register their excavators.

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The statement said: “An owner, operator and/or user of an excavator shall, at the time of registration, specify the purpose for which the excavator is being used or to be used and the area where the excavator is being used or will be used.”

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All excavators not registered by the stipulated deadline, if found, shall be seized and the appropriate measures taken to confiscate them as state property.

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“Notice is hereby given the general public, particularly owners operators and/or users as well as MMDAs to ensure strict compliance with these directives.”

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The Ministry, further assured the general public that “it will continue to take the necessary measures to protect our natural environment, particularly, water bodies, forests and lands, in a transparent and sustainable manner, anchored on integrity.”

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