President John Dramani Mahama has announced a nationwide ban on the issuance of mining leases in all forest reserves. The policy, aimed at curbing environmental destruction and illegal mining activities, was revealed during the swearing-in ceremony for the third batch of ministers on Thursday, January 30.
President Mahama emphasized that his administration will also take swift action to revoke all mining licenses previously granted for operations within forest reserves under the previous government. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s forests and tackling the rampant issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
“It shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of leases for mining in all forest reserves. We must also move promptly to revoke all leases issued for the same purpose under the previous government,” he declared.
Addressing concerns over reports of mining activities in protected areas, the President categorically stated that his administration has not sanctioned any mining operations within forest reserves. He called upon key ministers, including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, and the Attorney General, to take immediate action against individuals and companies engaged in illegal mining.
Furthermore, President Mahama issued a stern warning to government officials, making it clear that no member of his administration is permitted to engage in small-scale mining or galamsey. He assured the nation that any official found violating this directive would face severe consequences.
“Any such persons will face swift and severe sanctions,” he stated firmly.
A Comprehensive Strategy to Address Illegal Mining
In a bid to develop a long-term solution to Ghana’s illegal mining crisis, President Mahama announced plans to hold a national stakeholder consultation on illegal mining. This initiative will bring together key players in the mining industry, environmental experts, and community leaders to craft a sustainable strategy for the sector.
Key initiatives under this framework will include:
- The introduction of a River Guard programme to employ local youth in protecting water bodies, cleaning polluted rivers, and removing toxic substances.
- A nationwide effort to reclaim degraded lands and restore forest reserves affected by illegal mining.
- Training programs for small-scale miners on sustainable and responsible mining practices.
- The establishment of a Gold Board to ensure that Ghana maximizes its benefits from gold resources while promoting environmentally friendly mining practices.
Mining Licenses Issued Under Previous Administration
Recent data from the Ghana Mining Repository has revealed that the final week of the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration under President Akufo-Addo saw an unprecedented surge in mining license approvals. Out of 103 licenses issued in the year 2025, a staggering 102 licenses were granted between January 1st and January 6th, just days before the new government took office.
Since President Mahama’s swearing-in, only one mining license has been issued, highlighting the new administration’s firm stance on responsible resource management.
With this policy shift, the Mahama-led government is signaling a new era in Ghana’s mining sector—one that prioritizes environmental conservation, sustainable mining, and national accountability over unchecked resource exploitation.
Picture Credit : The Presidency Republic of Ghana
