President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major breakthrough in Ghana’s environmental protection efforts, revealing that illegal miners have been successfully removed from eight out of nine forest reserves previously deemed no-go zones due to widespread degradation.
Speaking at the Global Mining Summit on Monday June 2 2025, President Mahama described the achievement as a “major milestone” in the country’s renewed push to reclaim degraded lands and promote responsible mining practices.
“This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainability within our mining sector and protect our natural ecosystems,” he told delegates at the summit.
While commending the progress, the President clarified that the government’s stance is not against small-scale miners, but against unlawful practices that harm the environment.
“Let me be clear at this juncture—artisanal miners are not enemies of the state. If properly trained and supported, they can be allies in our development,” Mahama said.
“Working together with the small-scale mining sector, we will reclaim our forest reserves and restore the purity of our water bodies.”
As part of the crackdown, Mahama revealed the deployment of specialized river guards to patrol water bodies and riverbanks where illegal mining has flourished.
He also emphasized the government’s intention to regulate the use of heavy machinery in mining operations, particularly excavators.
“We will track excavators to determine whether they’re being used for illegal mining. Ghana currently has more excavators than the rest of Africa combined,” he noted.
“Under the new permitting regime, no excavator will be imported without a valid permit.”
The government is also working closely with the small-scale mining community to support land reclamation, signaling a shift toward more inclusive and environmentally responsible mining policies.
By: Shadrack Odame Agyare | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
