President Mahama Reaffirms Commitment to Forest Protection, Says No Mining Licenses Issued Since Assuming Office
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s stance on safeguarding Ghana’s forest reserves, stressing that no new mining license has been issued since he assumed office.
Speaking at his maiden media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, President Mahama said environmental protection remains a priority of his government.
“Let me be clear, since my administration resumed office, not a single license has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves. The repeal of LI 2462 is, therefore, intended just to crystallise in law what we have already demonstrated in practice, which is our commitment to protect these forest reserves,” he stated.
The President highlighted intensified action against illegal mining, citing the deployment of a national task force that has seized hundreds of excavators, water pumps and other equipment. According to him, the task force’s operations have disrupted entrenched networks behind the illegal activity.
He also pointed to progress in land restoration efforts, disclosing that nine forest reserves previously degraded by illegal mining have been reclaimed and returned under state protection.
On sustainable rehabilitation, President Mahama referenced the ongoing “Tree for Life” initiative, aimed at restoring lands affected by legal mining activities.
Addressing concerns about governance and public trust, the President assured Ghanaians of his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“My friends understand that public accountability and the recovery of looted state resources are the top of your expectations from my government, and let me assure you, my fellow citizens, that we’ve not wavered in our commitment for even a moment, neither have we been complacent,” he said.
