'Forest mining ends now' - Mahama moves to permanently ban all mining in reserves

President John Mahama has taken a strong stance against mining in Ghana’s forest reserves. He plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act to make such activities permanently illegal.

In a recent address, he marked 120 days since starting his second term. He outlined a bold five-point strategy to improve the mining sector. This strategy aims to reduce lawlessness and environmental damage.

Mahama stated, “In the first 120 days, we’ve taken decisive action.” The plan includes regulatory reforms and stronger law enforcement. It also involves joint task forces, arrests, equipment seizures, stakeholder collaboration, and land reclamation.

He reported that seven out of nine forest reserves have been reclaimed. Illegal miners have been removed from these areas.

A key part of the legal reforms is Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462. This will be presented to Parliament on March 20, 2025. It seeks to amend regulations on mining in forest reserves.

The amendment will remove the president's power to approve mining in these areas. Mahama said, “This amendment removes the president’s power regarding mining approvals.”

Additionally, he plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act of 2003. This change would completely prohibit mining in forest reserves.

Mahama’s efforts aim to reverse environmental damage caused by illegal mining. His goal is to protect biodiversity and restore degraded lands across Ghana.