Galamsey: Hundreds of Excavators Seized, Nine Forest Reserves Reclaimed – Prez Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama says his government is making major strides in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), which has posed severe threats to Ghana’s environment and natural resources for years.

Addressing the media at his first encounter on Wednesday, September 10, the President disclosed that a dedicated national task force has been deployed, leading to the seizure of hundreds of excavators, water pumps, and other heavy machinery used by illegal miners.

“These operations have disrupted entrenched galamsey networks and marked a decisive step in protecting our water bodies and restoring degraded lands,” Mr. Mahama stated.

He further revealed that nine forest reserves previously ravaged by illegal mining activities have now been successfully reclaimed.

The President stressed that protecting Ghana’s rivers, forests, and lands is at the heart of his administration’s development agenda, noting that environmental degradation directly undermines both public health and economic sustainability.

“We’re taking decisive action to protect our environment and natural resources from destruction. A dedicated national task force is in place, actively combating the menace of illegal mining. As a result of their operations, hundreds of excavators, water pumps and other heavy equipment have been seized. Nine forest reserves have been reclaimed from the grips of illegal miners,” he said.

Mr. Mahama assured that the fight will be sustained, with government working alongside local communities to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices, safeguarding natural resources for future generations.