President John Dramani Mahama has announced a comprehensive policy aimed at halting mining activities within the country’s forest reserves.

Speaking with conviction, the President declared, “It shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of licenses for mining in all forest reserves. We will promptly revoke any such licenses granted under the previous administration.”

The ban is part of the government’s broader efforts to curb the devastating impact of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” on Ghana’s natural resources.

Forest reserves, vital to the country’s biodiversity and environmental health, have been particularly vulnerable to mining activities, with increasing deforestation and degradation of the land.

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While addressing the nation, President Mahama also made it clear that no new licenses for mining in these critical areas would be issued.

“I want to state categorically that this government has not given any person or group of persons permission to engage in mining within our forest reserves,” he emphasized.

The statement came in response to widespread concerns over the unchecked mining activities that have been plaguing the country in recent years.

The President did not stop there; he also directed key government officials to take immediate action against illegal mining operations.

“I urge the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, as well as the Ministers of Interior, Justice, and the Attorney General, to take immediate steps to ensure the arrest and prosecution of any individuals or groups found engaging in such illegal activities,” he stated.

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