President John Dramani Mahama has instituted a sweeping ban prohibiting all government officials from participating in any form of mining, effective immediately. Under the new directive, any government appointee wishing to pursue mining must first resign from their official post.

This move is part of a broader environmental strategy aimed at addressing the growing crisis of illegal mining in Ghana, which has contributed to widespread environmental damage. President Mahama’s administration has already moved to revoke mining leases in forest reserves and banned the issuance of new licenses in these protected areas.

Speaking on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality, the president emphasized the gravity of the issue. “I have directed that no government appointee, at any level, should engage in legal or illegal mining. If you want to mine, leave the government and become a miner,” Mr. Mahama stated, underscoring the seriousness of the directive.

The president warned of severe consequences, including immediate dismissal, for any official found in violation of the ban. Additionally, he ordered security forces and regulatory bodies to ramp up efforts against illegal mining operations, which have become a growing concern for the nation.

Presidebt Mahama described the environmental toll of illegal mining as a national crisis, noting its destructive effects on agriculture, public health, and local communities. “Farmers are losing their lands, rivers are being poisoned, and entire communities are suffering,” he said, highlighting the devastating consequences of the practice.

The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, part of Mahama’s 120-day social contract with the people of Ghana, is being led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The program aims to restore land degraded by illegal mining and deforestation. Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah stressed the urgency of the initiative, warning that Ghana’s forest cover is rapidly disappearing, posing significant environmental risks for the future.

This initiative is one component of Mahama’s broader commitment to environmental restoration, as the government seeks to tackle the long-term challenges posed by illegal mining while balancing economic and ecological interests.

Source:TheDotNews