The government has made significant strides in combating illegal mining, successfully clearing eight out of nine forest reserves that had been overrun by illicit operations.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the progress at the Global Mining Summit on June 2, 2025.
He explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster sustainability in Ghana’s mining sector and safeguard the country’s natural ecosystems.
President Mahama noted that with proper training and support, artisanal miners could become valuable contributors to national development.
To strengthen enforcement, the government has deployed river guards to monitor activities along water bodies and riverbanks.
The President also revealed plans to regulate the use of heavy machinery in mining, including the introduction of a new permitting regime for excavators.
