Mahama Cracks Down on Galamsey, Bans Government Officials from Mining

Accra, Ghana - 22 March, 2025 - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has made a decisive move to tackle the country's illegal mining crisis, banning government officials from engaging in mining activities.

The directive, effective immediately, is part of Mahama's comprehensive environmental agenda aimed at restoring degraded lands and safeguarding natural resources.

At the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality on Friday, March 21, 2025, President Mahama emphasized that government officials must choose between their public duties and mining interests.

He stressed that illegal mining has become a national emergency, with severe consequences for the environment, economy, public health, and livelihoods.

“I have directed that no government appointee at any level should engage in any form of legal or illegal mining. If you want to be a miner, leave the government and go and be a miner,” he stated.

“Farmers are losing their farmlands, rivers are turning brown and toxic with pollution, and entire communities are being affected,” he added.

To enforce the ban, Mahama has instructed security agencies to intensify their crackdown on illegal mining operations. He highlighted recent successes in reclaiming forest reserves ravaged by mining and expressed commitment to protecting Ghana's natural heritage.

The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, aims to revitalize degraded lands and promote sustainable land use practices.

The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for Ghana's environmental restoration efforts and its commitment to sustainable development.

Source: Lead News Online