Mining technology consultant, Sylvester Akpah, has indicated that the introduction of a comprehensive tracking and database system is to monitor mining equipment throughout its entire lifecycle.
Speaking on how the system operates, Dr Akpah explained that authorities previously had little or no visibility into the ownership history of mining machines entering the country.
“We need to have an idea who brought in the machine, who owned the machine previously; we didn't have things like that,” he said.
The new system, he noted, captures and records every machine imported into Ghana, creating what he described as a “holistic database” that tracks equipment from importation through to ownership transfers and operational use.
“So, we have created a holistic database that actually ensures that we capture the machines that have gotten into the country,” he explained.
Beyond import records, the system also monitors dealers and rental arrangements, ensuring that equipment movement between operators is properly documented.
“So, we know dealer A… you own 50 machines… You are renting that to David,” he added.
Under the new framework, failure to properly declare or record such transactions attracts penalties.
“There’s a huge fine… Parliament has approved it,” he said. The system is expected to strengthen oversight across the mining value chain, reduce opportunities for illegal operations, and improve accountability among equipment owners, dealers, and operators.
For many observers, the development represents a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to tackling illegal mining, moving from reactive enforcement to structured, data-driven regulation aimed at closing long-standing loopholes in the sector.
NA/VPO
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