Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has announced a decisive move by the government to pursue the owners of excavators used in illegal mining activities, as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed efforts to combat the galamsey menace.

Speaking on the latest developments in the anti-galamsey fight, Dr. Boamah disclosed that authorities have successfully obtained chassis numbers of several seized excavators, marking a significant step in tracing the individuals behind the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining operations.

“As promised last month, we are glad to report that some chassis numbers of seized excavators used to perpetrate galamsey—an environmental sin against humanity and God—have been secured,” the Defence Minister stated.

He extended his appreciation to the Ghana Police Service for their cooperation in the ongoing efforts, adding that the information will help identify and track the "big people" behind the scenes who fund and benefit from galamsey.

“These chassis numbers will aid President Mahama’s determined and sustained fight against illegal mining,” Dr. Boamah noted.

“We are using them to contact-trace the owners, asking key questions: Who imported the excavators? Who bought them? For what purpose? Why are they being used for galamsey?”

He emphasised that this approach is part of a broader, innovative strategy to address illegal mining from its roots, in line with President Mahama’s commitment to a comprehensive, root-and-branch eradication of the galamsey threat.