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

0

“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.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5