Mahama vows to amend Mining Act for permanent ban on forest mining

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to end mining in Ghana's forest reserves. He plans to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2003 (Act 703) for a complete ban.

While presenting a report on his administration’s first 120 days, President Mahama shared a five-point strategy. This strategy aims to improve and clean up the mining sector.

The plan includes legal reforms, better enforcement, collaboration with stakeholders, and land reclamation efforts.

“In the first 120 days, we’ve taken decisive action,” he said. “This includes regulatory reforms and strengthening law enforcement.”

He mentioned joint task forces that have arrested illegal miners and seized equipment. Seven out of nine reserves have been reclaimed from illegal mining activities.

On March 20, 2025, President Mahama submitted Legislative Instrument L.I. 2462 to Parliament. This instrument amends the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) Regulations.

“This amendment removes the president’s power to approve mining in forest reserves,” he explained.

Additionally, President Mahama intends to revise the main legislation governing mining in Ghana.

“I plan to amend the Minerals and Mining Act, 2003 (Act 703),” he stated. “This will completely prohibit mining in forest reserves.”