Mahama: We’ll increase efforts to clean polluted water bodies and reclaim mined lands
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to intensify efforts to restore Ghana’s polluted water bodies and reclaim lands degraded by mining activities, describing environmental protection as central to the country’s mining reforms.
Addressing stakeholders at the maiden Mining Local Content Summit in Takoradi, President Mahama stressed that economic benefits from mining must not come at the cost of environmental destruction.
“We’ll increase our efforts to clean our water bodies and reclaim the lands that have been mined out,” he declared. “Mining must leave our communities better than it found them.”
Environmental Cost of Mining
Illegal and poorly regulated mining activities have severely polluted major rivers and degraded vast tracts of land across several regions, sparking public concern and calls for stronger action.
President Mahama acknowledged the scale of the challenge but assured that his administration remains committed to reversing the damage.
“We cannot speak about sustainable development while our rivers are polluted and our lands are scarred by abandoned pits,” he said. “Environmental stewardship must go hand in hand with economic progress.”
Strengthening Enforcement and Community Oversight
The President revealed that government would strengthen regulatory enforcement and deepen collaboration with local authorities to safeguard affected communities.
“Traditional authorities and MMDAs will continue to play a decisive role in monitoring compliance and protecting community interests,” he stated.
He emphasized that local content policies must be aligned with responsible and community-centered mining practices.
“Local content cannot be separated from responsible mining,” he noted. “Our mineral wealth must translate into improved livelihoods, restored environments and long-term prosperity.”
Formalizing Small-Scale Mining
President Mahama also reiterated his commitment to reforming the artisanal and small-scale mining sector to ensure sustainability.
“We’ll continue the fight against illegal gold mining and work to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining sectors,” he said, adding that formalization would include improved regulation, access to training and environmentally sound mining methods.
A Legacy of Responsibility
The President challenged stakeholders to reflect on the long-term environmental legacy of Ghana’s mineral wealth.
“What will be the legacy of our mineral wealth 100 years from now?” he asked. “It must not be polluted rivers and degraded lands, but thriving communities and a responsible mining industry.”
He concluded with a call for collective action.
“This is a shared responsibility. Government cannot do it alone,” he said. “If we get this right, we will build a mining sector that is both prosperous and sustainable.”
