President Mahama Orders Immediate Arrest and Prosecution of Illegal Miners
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, in Ghana’s forest reserves.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the third batch of ministers on Thursday, January 30, President Mahama tasked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, the Attorney General, and the Minister for Justice to take decisive action against illegal mining activities.
“I urge them to take immediate steps to ensure the arrest and prosecution of any persons or group of persons engaged in this illegality,” he ordered.
His directive follows reports suggesting that the government had authorized mining activities in forest reserves—a claim that has been categorically dismissed.
President Mahama also issued a strong warning to members of his administration, making it clear that no government official is permitted to engage in small-scale mining or galamsey. He cautioned that any official found violating this directive would face swift and severe sanctions.
Emphasizing the need for environmental protection, the President charged the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources with the responsibility of safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources.
“As Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, you’ll be charged with the duty of safeguarding the environment from marauding galamseyers and managing our natural resources effectively,” he stated.
In line with his administration’s firm stance against mining in forest reserves, President Mahama announced a ban on the issuance of new mining leases in such areas. He also ordered the immediate revocation of all mining leases granted under the previous government for operations in forest reserves.
“In addition, let me state categorically that this government has not given any person or group of persons any authority to carry out any form of mining in these forest reserves, as recently reported,” he declared.
The President’s directive signals a renewed crackdown on illegal mining as part of efforts to protect Ghana’s forests and water bodies from environmental degradation.
