mPresident John Dramani Mahama has instructed the team fighting illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) to seize excavators instead of setting them on fire.

“I've told them not to burn the excavators. They should confiscate them,” he said during a meeting with the Christian Council at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 21.

He acknowledged that small-scale mining provides jobs for about 1.8 million Ghanaians but emphasized that it must be done responsibly to avoid destroying the environment.

President Mahama disclosed that illegal mining has already damaged 43 out of Ghana’s 280 forest reserves. He noted that authorities have started clearing affected areas, with a recent operation in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve leading to the removal of excavators and other mining equipment.

To prevent illegal miners from returning after being evicted, he announced plans to deploy a mobile team to support forestry officials in protecting these areas.

He also promised to engage small-scale miners in discussions on adopting better mining practices that would safeguard natural resources while allowing them to earn a living.