Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has called for the tracking and prosecution of importers of excavators being used for illegal mining otherwise known as ‘galamsey’, in the country.
He says those behind the importation of the heavy-duty machines used for galamsey are facilitating illegality and must be identified and dealt with.
Speaking on TV3’s Ghana’s Tonight on Monday, September 7, 2026, while reacting to the impact of galamsey on fibre infrastructure as disclosed by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, at a Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House, Dr. Ashigbey said it is time the bigwigs behind the menace are brought to book.
The Minister had said galamsey accounts for 25 per cent of fibre cuts recorded in 2026, with over 8,000 cuts and over US$20 million spent on repairs.
Speaking on the way forward, Dr. Ashigbey said the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources has indicated that a number of excavators have been seized and the next phase should be to expose importers.
“The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has talked about excavators that have been seized and the next phase of the fight is trying to expose these people who have been importing them,” he noted.
He questioned why the focus remains solely on the Lands Ministry while the intelligence community remains silent. “What is happening to the intelligence community so we urge the Minister for National Security and Interior, and again the intelligence community,” he said.
Dr. Ashigbey insisted those financing the importation must be traced and prosecuted to deter others from financing it.
“If you look at this, who were the people who imported them? Who paid for them? We should be able to track these people and deal with them. They are bringing equipment that are used at the theatre of the crime that is being committed,” he said.
Where are galamsey suspects NAIMOS and Blue Water Guards arrest daily? – Ken Ashigbey asks
