President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to halting illegal mining, by issuing a strong warning to new ministers against their involvement in the menace also known as galamsey.
The President cautioned his ministers during the swearing-in ceremony of 14 ministers earlier on Thursday, January 30, 2025.
He revealed plans to convene stakeholder consultations to tackle the problem that has destroyed the country’s forests and river bodies.
“No member of this government is allowed to participate in any form of small-scale mining or galamsey,” stated Mr Mahama.
“Anyone found engaging in such activities will face swift and severe consequences. We plan to hold stakeholder consultations on the galamsey menace to build a broad consensus on the steps needed to protect our environment from further destruction,” he cautioned.
Additionally, President Mahama announced the government’s intention to revoke all mining leases granted for operations in forest reserves under the previous administration.
This decision is part of broader efforts to safeguard the country’s natural resources and curb environmental damage caused by illegal and unsustainable mining practices.
The President emphasized that immediate measures would be taken to halt mining activities in these ecologically sensitive areas, and legal action would be pursued against those responsible.
