Mahama Orders Seizure, Not Burning, of Excavators in Anti-Galamsey Fight
President shifts policy to protect equipment while enforcing responsible mining
- Mahama orders excavators to be confiscated instead of burned
- About 1.8 million Ghanaians rely on small-scale mining
- 43 forest reserves already degraded by illegal mining
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the task force combating illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, to seize excavators instead of burning them.
This marks a policy shift from the previous administration’s controversial approach of destroying mining equipment, which drew widespread criticism.
Speaking at a meeting with the Christian Council at the Jubilee House on Friday, February 21, President Mahama stressed the need for a more structured and sustainable approach to tackling illegal mining.
“I’ve told them not to burn the excavators. They should confiscate them,” he stated.
He acknowledged the economic significance of small-scale mining, noting that approximately 1.8 million Ghanaians depend on it. However, he warned against unregulated mining, which has led to severe environmental degradation.
The President revealed that 43 out of Ghana’s 280 forest reserves have been severely affected by illegal mining. In response, the government has intensified efforts to reclaim degraded lands, with recent operations in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve leading to the seizure of excavators and other mining equipment.
This latest directive aligns with Mahama’s broader strategy to enforce responsible mining while protecting the environment.
