The government has begun the process of moving all of the confiscated excavators from the Tema port enclave to certain military locations in Tema, Accra, and the Shai Hills in coordination with the appropriate security and regulatory organizations.
In addition to maintaining security, the action aims to reduce traffic at the Tema Port.
According to a press release released by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the decision to evacuate the earth-moving machinery seized at Tema Port is a component of national initiatives to control the importation of such machinery.
In order to help reduce traffic and maintain security, it explained, they are being moved to military installations across the country.
They will remain in prison until their individual owners have given their approval, the statement clarified.
The activity would also help the port decongest in order to create more capacity, according to GPHA.
It reminded all consignees and authorized agents that the customs clearance procedures that were in place at the port would still be followed during the exercise. It also stated that after the clearance procedures were finished, the consignees would be instructed to pick up their equipment from the designated military installations.
The statement further stated that the consignees would be responsible for paying for the expense of transporting the excavators to military sites as well as any associated custody fees.
The government imposed a ban on the importation of excavators in June 2025 as part of stepped-up efforts to stop illicit mining and protect the country’s waterways.
The Ministry of Transportation’s directive established a stringent “No Permit, No Excavator” policy to control the importation of such equipment into Ghana.
The Ministry requested that all shipping companies stop bringing excavators into Ghana without the necessary authorization.
Additionally, before bringing excavators into Ghana, importers and dealers must have Ministry of Transportation approval.
Source: newsthemegh.com