New Excavator Import Rumors False, President Clarifies

The President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, has dismissed media reports suggesting the recent discovery of about 200 newly imported excavators. Addressing the nation during his maiden media encounter yesterday, the President clarified that the excavators in question were not newly imported but were inherited from the previous administration.

According to him, upon assuming office, his government found approximately 200 excavators that had been brought into the country by the erstwhile administration. Given the existing ban on the importation of new excavators, cabinet took a decision to place a freeze on their release.

However, President Mahama explained that the heavy machines had been occupying a significant amount of space at the ports, which was affecting port operations and efficiency. As a result, National Security, in collaboration with the port authorities, resolved to relocate the equipment to a secure military installation at Shai Hills.

Responding to concerns about why the excavators were moved at night, the President clarified that the decision was made purely for logistical reasons. “Transporting such large machinery during the day would have created heavy traffic congestion on major roads, so the relocation exercise was carried out at night to minimize disruption,” he stated.

The President reassured the public that there was no secretive agenda surrounding the excavators and urged citizens to disregard misleading reports. He reiterated that government’s actions were guided by policy, security, and operational considerations, rather than any attempt to flout the ban on new excavator imports.