Accra, Ghana – A startling investigation by JoyNews has uncovered a massive influx of excavator imports into Ghana, with late-night clearances at Tema Port raising alarm bells about the country’s escalating battle against illegal mining, known as galamsey.
Published today, September 10, 2025, at 1:53 PM GMT, the report reveals that Ghana spent an astonishing $205 million on excavators in 2023, positioning it as the top importer in West Africa according to OEC data. The timing, just months before a critical election, has fueled public suspicion of insider sabotage, with social media buzzing about the potential misuse of these machines for environmentally destructive galamsey operations. This development challenges the government’s recent ban on excavator imports announced by President John Mahama, casting a shadow over anti-illegal mining efforts.
The environmental toll of galamsey has reached catastrophic levels, as highlighted by a 2024 BBC report that detailed how mercury-laden mining practices are turning rivers like the Pra into toxic, discolored waterways—severe enough for artists to use as paint. WaterAid has labeled this “ecocide,” pointing to the degradation of forests and water sources that threaten Ghana’s ecosystem. The JoyNews investigation aligns with a recent statement from the Transport Minister, who disclosed that over 1,200 excavators were detained at Tema Port in just three weeks, underscoring the scale of the issue and the apparent struggle of enforcement agencies to curb the crisis. With 3,000 more excavators reportedly en route, the situation demands urgent action to protect Ghana’s natural heritage.
X Post: Ghana Faces Escalating Galamsey Crisis as Late-Night Excavator Imports at Tema Port Spark Outrage
JoyNews uncovers massive excavator imports into Ghana, with late-night clearance at Tema Port#JoyNews pic.twitter.com/EFgfvgLDyw
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) September 10, 2025
Political ramifications are intensifying as the nation approaches its next election, with accusations of high-level complicity gaining traction. Social media reactions, including posts from users like @DrKwabenaAgyen and @ur_Gean, question why these imports are cleared under the cover of darkness if intended for legitimate infrastructure projects, hinting at a deeper conspiracy. Critics point to the Mahama administration’s inability to stem the tide, echoing activist concerns raised by Al Jazeera about weak action against illegal mining during his first term. The revelation of late-night clearances has sparked calls for transparency, with users like @AbdulRaufIbra20 urging JoyNews to identify those responsible at the port.
The Anti-Galamsey Task Force’s recent efforts, such as the seizure of three excavators in the Ashanti Region as reported by Graphic Online on September 4, 2025, reflect a proactive stance but also highlight the challenge of preemptive intelligence leaks that allow miners to evade capture. Meanwhile, Reuters noted on June 23, 2025, that Ghana’s Minerals Commission is deploying AI-powered drones and excavator trackers to combat illegal mining, a technological leap that could turn the tide if fully implemented. However, the current scandal suggests that enforcement gaps persist, with porous borders and weak regulations enabling the smuggling of gold, as estimated by Swissaid’s analysis of 229 metric tons lost between 2019 and 2023.
As Ghana stands at a crossroads, the galamsey crisis intertwines with economic and political stakes, with the World Bank reporting 850,000 new poor in 2022 due to rising costs, partly linked to mining disruptions. The JoyNews exposé has ignited a national debate, with citizens demanding accountability and a robust strategy to safeguard the environment and economy. President Mahama’s administration faces mounting pressure to deliver on its anti-galamsey promises, while the international community watches closely. For now, the late-night excavator imports at Tema Port remain a stark symbol of the challenges ahead in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining.
