Ghana’s Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has issued a directive halting the importation of excavators into the country, citing a surplus of such machinery already present and sufficient to meet Ghana’s developmental needs for the foreseeable future. This directive comes in response to recent reports of new excavator shipments arriving at Ghanaian ports, raising concerns about excessive importation and potential misuse. The minister emphasized the existing abundance of excavators within the country, asserting their adequacy for legitimate construction and development projects for years to come. He communicated the import ban to international shipping lines, instructing them to cease bringing any further excavators into Ghana.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) confirmed the arrival of these new excavator shipments and their subsequent relocation to various military camps across the country. This strategic move, according to GPHA, serves a dual purpose: decongesting port facilities and enhancing security around the impounded equipment. The excavators will remain under military custody until their respective owners complete the necessary clearance procedures and documentation. This measure ensures proper oversight and prevents unauthorized use or release of the machinery.
Minister Nikpe further clarified the rationale behind the relocation of impounded excavators from Tema Port to military bases, including Michel, Burma, Teshie, and the 49 Engineer Regiment. He emphasized that this temporary transfer does not constitute a release of the equipment to importers but rather a logistical solution to address port congestion while the validity of import documents is being verified. This approach aims to streamline port operations without compromising security or legal processes related to the imported machinery.
To enforce the import ban and monitor the existing excavator inventory, a dedicated task force has been established. This task force will collaborate with relevant agencies like the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Minerals Commission to ensure that all excavators operating within the country are registered, tracked, and utilized for legitimate purposes. The Minerals Commission will install trackers on each registered excavator, enabling real-time monitoring of their location and activities. This system will provide valuable data regarding the equipment’s usage, ensuring compliance with regulations and deterring misuse.
The minister issued a stern warning regarding the potential consequences of non-compliance with the new import restrictions and tracking procedures. Any excavators found operating without valid documentation or engaged in unauthorized activities will be confiscated. Furthermore, as a transparency and accountability measure, the government plans to publicly disclose the names of importers whose machines are seized. This public naming aims to deter future violations and create a more transparent environment within the import and construction sectors.
The government’s actions build upon the “no permit, no import” directive introduced in June 2025. This directive mandates that importers secure prior authorization from the Transport Ministry before shipping any earth-moving equipment into Ghana. While acknowledging that some of the currently impounded excavators were ordered before the implementation of this new policy, creating a backlog at the ports, Minister Nikpe reassured importers that due process would be followed in handling their cases. He defended the stringent measures as necessary to protect the environment, prevent illegal mining activities, and maintain the smooth operation of Ghana’s ports, emphasizing the importance of facilitating efficient business operations within the country.
