Government intensifies fight against illegal mining networks — Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed government’s determination to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), stressing that authorities will focus on dismantling organized criminal networks rather than targeting only low-level offenders.
Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, President Mahama described illegal mining as a serious threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, public health, and national security.
“Illegal mining continues to pose a grave threat to our environment, our water bodies, public health, and national security,” President Mahama stated. “Our focus is not only on the small fish, but more importantly on the big fish who are often behind these criminal networks.”
The President said government has intensified prosecutions against persons involved in illegal mining activities, with over 114 case dockets currently before various courts across the country.
He disclosed that specialized prosecutorial teams have been deployed to accelerate the handling of galamsey-related cases and ensure strong presentation of evidence in court.
“We are intensifying prosecution of persons engaged in illegal mining, with renewed focus on organized criminal syndicates driving these activities,” he said. “Equipment and proceeds derived from illegal mining must be confiscated and forfeited to the state.”
President Mahama expressed concern that illegal mining activities have contributed significantly to environmental degradation, particularly destruction of forest reserves and pollution of rivers and streams that serve as major sources of drinking water for communities.
He reiterated government’s commitment to protecting natural resources for future generations while promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.
“We must protect our environment and natural resources for the benefit of present and future generations,” the President said. “Development cannot come at the expense of our water bodies and ecological balance.”
The President also announced that security agencies have been deployed to support operations against illegal mining syndicates and to strengthen enforcement in galamsey-prone communities.
He says the anti-galamsey campaign will continue alongside community education programmes and stronger collaboration with traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and local communities.
President Mahama urged citizens to support efforts to combat illegal mining by reporting suspected activities to security agencies.
