President Mahama Vows to Revoke Mining Leases Issued under Akufo-Addo's Government

Accra, Ghana - 31 Jan, 2025 - President John Dramani Mahama has announced a blanket ban on mining in Ghana's forest reserves, vowing to revoke all existing mining licenses in these areas, which were granted under the previous administration.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the third batch of ministers on Thursday, January 30, President Mahama noted that the new policy aims to curb the destructive practice of galamsey, or illegal mining, which has ravaged many of Ghana's forest reserves.

President Mahama stressed that his government is committed to environmental protection and will take decisive action against individuals and entities involved in illegal mining. To this end, he has instructed key government officials including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, and the Attorney General to take swift and effective action to enforce the ban.

“It shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of leases for mining in all forest reserves. We must also move promptly to revoke all leases issued for the same purpose under the previous government,'' he stated.

Source: Lead News Online