President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined an ambitious plan to reverse the environmental damage caused by mining in Ghana’s protected forest reserves, signaling a strong commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources.
During the swearing-in ceremony of 14 newly appointed Ministers on Thursday, January 30, 2025 President Mahama announced that his government would revoke all mining leases previously issued for activities within forest reserves under the administration of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In his address, President Mahama tasked his new Minister for Lands and Natural Resources with the critical responsibility of safeguarding Ghana’s environment.
“Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, you will be charged with the duty of safeguarding the environment from the marauding galamsey and managing our natural resources effectively.
“Let me take this opportunity to state that it shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of leases for mining in all forest reserves. We shall also move promptly to revoke all leases issued for the same purpose under the previous government,” he added.
The decision forms part of broader efforts by John Mahama’s government to curb the destructive practices associated with illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey,” which has led to extensive environmental degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.
President Mahama emphasised the importance of taking immediate steps to halt mining activities in these ecologically sensitive areas and to ensure that necessary legal measures are enforced against those responsible.
He also stressed the urgency of this issue, noting that the protection of forest reserves would be a top priority for his administration.
MA