The government has effectively eliminated illegal miners from eight out of nine forest reserves that were previously classified as no-go zones due to significant environmental damage, as disclosed by President John Dramani Mahama.
During his address at the Global Mining Summit on Monday, June 2, 2025, President Mahama characterized this action as a significant achievement in the nation’s renewed commitment to restore degraded lands and encourage responsible mining practices.
He emphasized that this initiative is part of a larger strategy aimed at ensuring sustainability within the mining industry and safeguarding Ghana’s natural ecosystems.
“I want to clarify at this point that artisanal miners are not adversaries of the state. With appropriate training and support, they can become partners in our development,” the President remarked, further stating, “By collaborating with the small-scale mining sector, we will restore our forest reserves and purify our water bodies.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the government has assigned river guards to address illegal mining activities along water bodies and riverbanks, highlighting the necessity of regulating heavy machinery usage in mining operations.
“We will monitor excavators to determine if they are being utilized for illegal mining. Ghana currently possesses more excavators than the entire continent of Africa combined. The new permitting system will prohibit the importation of any excavator without a valid permit,” Mahama asserted.
He pointed out that the government is working in partnership with small-scale miners to facilitate land reclamation, indicating a transition towards more inclusive and environmentally responsible mining policies.
