President John Dramani Mahama has directed the anti-galamsey task force to seize excavators used in illegal mining operations instead of destroying them, signaling a shift in approach. "Going forward, I have instructed the task force to confiscate these machines rather than burn them," President Mahama announced during a meeting with the Christian Council at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 21. "We need a more structured and sustainable solution to this problem, not just destruction." The directive comes amid growing concerns over the impact of galamsey on the environment and livelihoods.
Mahama revealed that illegal mining has degraded 43 out of Ghana's 280 forest reserves. "We cannot continue to watch as our forests disappear," he stated.
However, he acknowledged the economic significance of small-scale mining, noting that "approximately 1.8 million Ghanaians depend on this sector for their livelihoods." While stressing the need for responsible mining, he assured that the government remains committed to reclaiming affected lands.
Mahama pointed to recent operations in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve, where authorities have seized excavators and mining equipment. "We are taking back control of our lands, but we must do so without reckless destruction," he reiterated.
