Mahama bans government officials from mining

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive barring government officials from engaging in any form of mining, whether legal or illegal, with immediate effect.

He stressed that any official wishing to venture into mining must first resign from their government position.

This directive is part of President Mahama’s broader environmental agenda, which includes revoking mining leases in forest reserves and banning the issuance of new ones in these protected areas.

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

He warned that any official found violating this directive would face immediate and severe consequences, including dismissal from office.

Additionally, President Mahama instructed security and regulatory agencies to intensify their efforts in combating illegal mining. He cited recent successes in reclaiming forest reserves previously devastated by mining activities.

Describing illegal mining as a national crisis, he highlighted its far-reaching consequences on the economy, public health, and livelihoods.

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

The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, a key component of Mahama’s 120-day social contract with Ghanaians, is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

This initiative aims to restore degraded lands, particularly those affected by illegal mining and deforestation, as part of the government’s broader environmental restoration efforts.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah underscored the urgency of the program, warning that Ghana’s forest cover is depleting at an alarming rate, posing serious ecological risks.