President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strict directive prohibiting all government appointees from engaging in any form of mining—legal or illegal—warning that violators will face immediate dismissal.
Speaking at the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in Nkawie, Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, President Mahama made it clear that his administration would not tolerate any conflicts of interest when it comes to mining activities.
“I have directed that no government appointee at any level should engage in any form of legal or illegal mining. If you want to be a miner, leave government and go and be a miner,” he declared, drawing resounding applause from the audience.
He reiterated that any official caught flouting this directive would face severe consequences, including removal from office, as part of his government’s renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative—a key component of President Mahama’s 120-day social contract—seeks to restore vast areas of Ghana’s degraded lands. The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, is part of the government’s broader strategy to reverse deforestation and rehabilitate lands destroyed by illegal mining.
Highlighting the scale of destruction caused by galamsey, President Mahama revealed that seven out of nine forest reserves designated as “no-go zones” had been successfully reclaimed, with efforts ongoing to recover the remaining two.
As part of the government’s intensified anti-galamsey operations, security agencies have seized 55 excavators, three bulldozers, three pickups, four pump-action rifles, and 11 motorbikes from illegal miners.
“Illegal mining is a national crisis. Farmers are losing their farmlands, rivers are turning brown with toxic pollution, and entire communities are suffering the consequences,” he lamented.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, emphasized the urgency of tackling deforestation and illegal mining, warning that Ghana’s forest cover is vanishing at an alarming rate.
“This initiative envisions transforming heavily degraded areas into functional and vibrant ecosystems that support biodiversity and human livelihoods,” he stated.
Beyond land restoration, the initiative also aims to raise awareness about tree planting and promote sustainable environmental practices as part of Ghana’s long-term strategy to combat climate change and deforestation.
With the government stepping up enforcement and launching proactive restoration efforts, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
