Flushing out illegal miners from forest reserves; a major turning point in the galamsey fight
Ghana may be witnessing a crucial turning point in its long and painful battle against illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey.”
President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at the opening of the Mining in Motion Summit 2025 in Accra on Monday, revealed that illegal miners have been flushed out of eight of the nine forest reserves that had previously been invaded by these miners.
This is a notable milestone in the national fight to reclaim our environment from the ravages of illegal mining. The President’s statement underscores the scale and seriousness of the challenge.
Galamsey has not only scarred vast tracts of forest reserves but has also led to the alarming pollution of water bodies across the country. The clearing of these forest reserves is more than just a physical operation; it is a statement of intent, a declaration that Ghana is ready to protect its natural heritage for future generations.
The deployment of river guards to remove illegal mining activities from water bodies is another encouraging step. Our rivers, once the lifeline of many communities, have turned into toxic streams due to the unchecked use of mercury and other hazardous substances by these illegal miners.
Restoring the purity of these water bodies therefore is not merely an environmental concern—it is a matter of public health, food security, and the survival of many rural livelihoods.
But beyond enforcement, what stands out in the President’s address is the recognition that the solution to galamsey must be holistic. It must combine enforcement with engagement, accountability with opportunity.
The President’s declaration that “artisanal miners are not enemies of the state” is both wise and timely. Many small-scale miners are simply trying to earn a living. The challenge is how to integrate them into a legal and sustainable framework that benefits both the miners and the environment.
In that spirit, the government’s plan to partner with the private sector to launch a 10,000-hectare land reclamation project is highly commendable. Reclaiming degraded mining sites and restoring them to productive use—whether for forestry, agriculture, or conservation—is essential to reversing the environmental damage inflicted over the years. This initiative could also provide employment opportunities and restore community trust in state institutions.
Equally important is the proposed overhaul of the permitting regime for mining operations. For too long, weak regulatory systems and lax enforcement have allowed the proliferation of illegal mining.
It is for this that The Ghanaian Times views the President’s commitment to introducing a new permitting system—whereby no one can import an excavator without a valid permit, as timely and a necessary reform.
Indeed, tracking excavators and holding permit holders accountable will introduce much-needed transparency into the sector. These changes signal a significant shift in policy, one that prioritises sustainability, responsibility, and community involvement.
We believe that the changes, if implemented effectively, could reshape the entire landscape of small-scale mining in Ghana. Of course, policy declarations must be matched by action.
The government must ensure that the gains made in flushing out illegal miners are not reversed and there must be continuous monitoring, community engagement, and strong legal consequences for violations.
The success of the river guards and the new permitting regime will depend heavily on political will, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation. Additionally, the role of traditional authorities, local governments, and civil society cannot be overstated.
These groups must be empowered and incentivised to play an active role in protecting forest reserves and water bodies. Public education campaigns are also needed to sensitise the public, especially youth, about the dangers of galamsey and the opportunities in responsible mining.
The president has rightly pointed out that mining cannot be sustainable unless it is responsible. Ghana, with its rich mineral resources, should not have to choose between economic development and environmental preservation. With the right policies, investments, and partnerships, the country can achieve both.
We therefore join the many voices in commending the recent actions taken against illegal mining and urges all stakeholders to sustain the momentum.
The fight against galamsey is not just about protecting trees and rivers—it is about safeguarding the soul of the nation.
