By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Head of Corporate Communications at the Minerals Commission, Dela Edem has revealed plans by the Commission in taking significant steps in the fight against illegal mining by installing trackers on excavators.
According to him, a total of 647 trackers have been installed on excavators to monitor their movement and prevent their use in illegal mining activities. The Commission can now identify the location of excavators and trace their owners as well.
“So far, we have been able to put 647 trackers on excavators imported so that we can track where an excavator is going and trace its owner”, he said.
Speaking on GBC’s show, Focus on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, Mr. Edem mentioned that geo-fencing would be done which would enable the commission to monitor excavators’ movements in real-time in their control rooms and detect any unauthorized activity.
Addressing what happens next when excavators are tracked, he stated, “…when an excavator is tracked, the commission can deactivate it remotely”, making it difficult for illegal miners to use the equipment.
Edem also emphasized the need for equal treatment of all individuals involved in illegal mining, regardless of their nationality. He suggested that rather than just arresting and deporting Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining also known as galamsey, they should also be prosecuted. This approach, he argued, would serve as a deterrent to others.
“We should no more arrest Chinese miners and deport them but prosecute them as well. If we are prosecuting Ghanaians, we should prosecute the Chinese too”.
He went on to suggest exploring alternative livelihoods for youth in mining communities noting many young people engage in galamsey due to a lack of economic opportunities. By providing alternative livelihoods, the country would aim to reduce the appeal of illegal mining and promote sustainable development in these communities.
