President John Dramani Mahama has imposed an immediate ban on government officials engaging in any form of mining, whether permitted or unauthorized.

He emphasized that any official who wishes to enter the mining sector must first resign from their government position.

This decision is a crucial part of Mahama’s environmental agenda, which also includes revoking mining leases in forest reserves and halting the issuance of new permits in these protected areas.

Addressing the public at the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality on Friday, March 21, 2025, Mahama reiterated his firm stance.

“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 the government and go and be a miner,” he declared.

Mahama further reinforced his administration’s determination to combat illegal mining, warning that any official found violating this directive would be immediately dismissed.

Additionally, he ordered security and regulatory bodies to ramp up enforcement efforts against illegal mining activities, citing recent progress in reclaiming forest reserves that had been degraded by mining.

Describing illegal mining as a severe national crisis, Mahama stressed its devastating impact on livelihoods, public health, and the economy.

“Farmers are losing their farmlands, rivers are turning brown and toxic with pollution, and entire communities are being affected,” he stated.

To address the environmental damage, Mahama highlighted the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative as a critical part of his 120-day social contract with Ghanaians. Led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the initiative seeks to restore forests destroyed by illegal mining and deforestation.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah also raised concerns about the country’s rapidly depleting forest cover, warning of the serious environmental consequences if urgent action is not taken.