The Government of Ghana has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, resulting in the seizure of over 425 heavy-duty machines and the arrest of more than 1,300 suspects within just the first half of 2025. The renewed enforcement drive reflects a more aggressive stance in the ongoing war against illegal small-scale mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revealed these developments during his address at the latest edition of the Government Accountability Series, held at the Jubilee House in Accra.
According to Mr Buah, the seizures—which were carried out primarily by the Forestry Commission—include 177 excavators, 4 bulldozers, 12 vehicles, 43 motorcycles, 155 water pumping machines, 184 changfang machines, 15 gold detector devices, and 10 heavy-duty generators. He said the large-scale operation has significantly disrupted illegal mining operations across various hotspots.
“In total, 1,345 individuals have been arrested in connection with illegal mining, and prosecution processes are actively underway,” the Minister said.
Proactive Measures at Ports to Halt Equipment Flow
Beyond the field operations, Mr Buah disclosed that government agencies are tightening controls at Ghana’s ports to prevent the influx of equipment used in galamsey. A joint initiative involving the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance (through the Ghana Revenue Authority – Customs Division), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority has been launched to track the importation of excavators and earth-moving machinery from their point of entry.
“So far, 1,200 excavators brought into the country have been impounded at the Tema Port and are undergoing validation before clearance,” Mr Buah added.
Transparency in Focus
The press briefing formed part of the Government Accountability Series—a platform hosted by the Presidential Communications Bureau to deepen public transparency and provide updates on critical national issues.
Mr Buah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating galamsey, saying the battle was being waged on multiple fronts—from law enforcement and judicial prosecution to port controls and environmental protection.
“The scale of the damage caused by illegal mining is immense. We are leaving no stone unturned in addressing this threat to our land, water bodies, and future generations,” he stressed.
The government’s latest move signals a shift from rhetoric to concrete action, as pressure mounts from civil society, academia, and the public for more decisive interventions in the galamsey crisis.
