President Mahama to Revoke All Mining Leases in Forest Reserves
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to revoke all mining leases granted for operations in forest reserves under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
According to the government, the decision forms part of efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources and curb environmental degradation caused by illegal and unsustainable mining activities.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 14 Ministers of State on Thursday, January 30, President Mahama emphasized that immediate steps would be taken to halt mining operations in forest reserves, with legal actions pursued against violators.
“Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, you will be charged with the duty of safeguarding the environment from marauding galamsey and managing our natural resources effectively,” he stated.
He further stressed the government’s firm stance on protecting forest reserves from mining activities.
“Let me take this opportunity to state that it shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of leases for mining in all forest reserves. We shall also move promptly to revoke all leases issued for the same purpose under the previous government,” Mahama declared.
The move aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to enforce environmental protection laws and promote sustainable resource management.
