Mahama orders arrest and prosecution of galamseyers reportedly mining in forest reserves

President John Dramani Mahama has directed security agencies to immediately arrest and prosecute individuals involved in illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, within Ghana’s forest reserves.

Speaking at the swearing-in of the third batch of ministers on January 30, he tasked the Ministers for Lands and Natural Resources, Interior, and Justice to enforce the law against illegal miners.

Mahama dismissed claims that his government had sanctioned mining in forest reserves, reiterating a strict ban on new mining leases in such areas.

He also warned that no government official is permitted to engage in small-scale mining, vowing severe sanctions for violators.

Additionally, he ordered the revocation of all mining leases granted under the previous administration for operations in protected forests.