Ghana’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is entering a new phase as the Minerals Commission moves to deploy advanced drone technology and expand a nationwide digital tracking system for mining equipment.
The drones, expected to begin operations next week, will provide real-time surveillance of illegal mining activities, enabling authorities to respond swiftly and more effectively. The move signals a shift from largely confrontational enforcement methods to a technology-driven approach anchored on data and continuous monitoring.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission in charge of Small-Scale Mining and Industrial Minerals, Mr Maxwell Yao Akpene Klu, disclosed this in Accra when the editorial team of The Ghanaian Times paid a courtesy call on him.
According to Mr Klu, the initiative—championed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, together with the Commission’s leadership—is part of a broader strategy to sanitise the mining sector and ensure the sustainable exploitation of Ghana’s mineral resources.
He explained that the deployment of drones, alongside digital tracking systems powered by artificial intelligence, represents a major step toward improving accountability and efficiency in the sector.
“We are moving into a phase where monitoring is continuous and data-driven. With live feeds, we can detect illegal activities and respond promptly,” he said.
As part of the enhanced monitoring regime, the Commission has already registered and fitted 3,212 pieces of heavy-duty mining equipment with tracking devices. Efforts are ongoing to capture additional machinery already in operation across the country.
The system incorporates geo-fencing technology, which restricts equipment to approved mining concessions. Any machine that moves beyond designated boundaries is automatically disabled, requiring operators to obtain clearance before it can be reactivated.
Mr Klu noted that the monitoring framework covers not only gold mining but also sand winning, quarry operations, forest reserves and water bodies—areas that have been particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation due to illegal mining activities.
He added that intelligence gathering and collaboration with other state agencies would complement the technology, stressing that any resistance from illegal operators would be addressed decisively.
The digital monitoring system was developed locally by the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), highlighting the role of homegrown innovation in tackling national challenges. Mr Klu emphasised the need for sustained investment in research to scale such technologies for wider use.
During the visit, the Ghanaian Times delegation toured the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Control Room, where officials demonstrated how integrated systems are used to monitor mining activities, including equipment movement, ownership and usage patterns.
Assistant Control Room Officer, Mr Benjamin Kwashigah, explained that all imported mining machinery must be registered and fitted with tracking devices at designated ports before clearance, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and other relevant agencies.
The Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times, Mr David Adadevoh, commended the Commission for adopting a modern, technology-driven approach, describing it as a more effective alternative to previous enforcement strategies.
Kingsley Asare/Ghanaian Times
