President John Dramani Mahama has issued a stern warning to his new ministers, cautioning them against involvement in illegal mining activities, also known as “galamsey.”
During the swearing-in ceremony of 14 ministers on Thursday, January 30, 2025, President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining.
“No member of this government is allowed to participate in any form of small-scale mining or galamsey. Anyone found engaging in such activities will face swift and severe consequences,” President Mahama stated.
He also announced plans to hold stakeholder consultations on the galamsey menace to build a broad consensus on the steps needed to protect the environment from further destruction.
To further address the issue, President Mahama announced the government’s intention to revoke all mining leases granted for operations in forest reserves under the previous administration.
This decision aims to safeguard the country’s natural resources and curb environmental damage caused by illegal and unsustainable mining practices.
Immediate measures will be taken to halt mining activities in these ecologically sensitive areas, and legal action will be pursued against those responsible.