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President John Dramani Mahama has directed the task force combating illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) to confiscate excavators and other equipment instead of burning them.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 21, after a meeting with the Christian Council, President Mahama stressed the need for a more structured and sustainable approach to tackling illegal mining while protecting livelihoods.
“I’ve told them not to burn the excavators. They should confiscate them,” he stated.
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President Mahama acknowledged that small-scale mining, though legal, must be conducted responsibly to prevent environmental degradation.
He noted that illegal mining activities have impacted 43 out of Ghana’s 280 forest reserves, with the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve among the most affected areas.
He revealed that a recent operation in the reserve led to the removal of heavy machinery, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to reclaiming Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
To further strengthen enforcement, the president announced the formation of a mobile reinforcement team to support forestry officials in preventing illegal miners from returning to cleared sites.
With approximately 1.8 million Ghanaians engaged in small-scale mining, President Mahama recognised the sector’s economic significance.
He assured that his government would engage miners to introduce sustainable practices that protect both livelihoods and natural resources.
The president reiterated his commitment to finding a long-term solution that balances environmental conservation with economic opportunity, signalling a shift from punitive measures to a more structured and sustainable approach.
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