President John Dramani Mahama has emphatically stated that his administration has not approved any mining licences for operations within Ghana’s forest reserves since returning to office, reaffirming his government’s commitment to protecting the environment.
Speaking at a media encounter in Accra on Wednesday, the President addressed mounting concerns over illegal mining and environmental degradation, assuring the public that his government is taking firm action to safeguard the nation’s natural resources.
“Let me be clear,” President Mahama said. “Since my administration resumed office, not a single licence has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves.”
He further revealed that a dedicated national task force has been mobilised to intensify the crackdown on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The task force, he said, has already made significant progress in dismantling illegal operations.
According to the President, the operations have led to the confiscation of hundreds of excavators, water pumps, and other heavy machinery used in illegal mining activities.
“These interventions are a decisive step toward protecting our water bodies and restoring lands that have been severely degraded by illegal mining,” he stated.
The President’s remarks come amid increased public concern over the environmental impact of galamsey, particularly its effects on rivers, farmlands, and forest reserves across the country.
