Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has declared the government's unwavering commitment to combating the illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, in the country. In his first media interaction at the Jubilee House, President Mahama addressed the complexities of this issue, emphasizing the government's strategic approach to tackling illegal mining without resorting to a state of emergency.
According to Ghana News Agency, the President highlighted the severe impact of galamsey on the environment, particularly the high turbidity levels in many water bodies. He assured the public of the government's resolve to utilize all existing legal avenues to eradicate this menace. President Mahama stated, "I never deluded myself that the fight against illegal gold mining was going to be an event. The decay has eaten so much over the last eight years, and it's going to take a lot of work."
President Mahama acknowledged the economic challenges involved, given that over four million Ghanaians depend on small-scale mining for their livelihoods. He reiterated that addressing illegal mining is a process that requires persistence and expressed his determination to overcome this issue.
Since taking office in January 2025, President Mahama confirmed that no licenses had been granted for mining in forest reserves. The government is also working towards repealing LI-2462 to formalize its commitment to ending mining in these protected areas. The national task force has actively seized hundreds of excavators, water pumps, and other equipment while disrupting illegal mining networks.
The President reported the successful reclamation of nine forest reserves from illegal miners and introduced the 'Tree for Life' initiative to restore degraded lands. Additionally, he noted reforms at GoldBod to formalize Ghana's gold trade, ensuring the benefits are reinvested into communities and national development.
To enhance oversight, President Mahama mentioned collaboration between the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, and other authorities to track imported excavators and earth-moving equipment. The government also plans to partner with the Australian government to train and empower small-scale miners, promoting responsible mining practices.
In his concluding remarks, President Mahama urged all stakeholders to support the government's efforts in eradicating illegal mining and emphasized the importance of providing alternatives for those affected by the crackdown on galamsey.
