In a bold move to combat the devastating effects of mining on Ghana’s environment, President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive prohibiting all government officials from engaging in any form of mining, whether legal or illegal, with immediate effect.
Speaking at the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality on Friday, March 21, 2025, Mahama emphasized that any official wishing to venture into mining must first resign from their government position. “If you want to be a miner, leave the government and go and be a miner,” he declared .
This directive is part of President Mahama’s broader environmental agenda, which includes revoking mining leases in forest reserves and banning the issuance of new ones in these protected areas. Mahama warned that any official found violating this directive would face immediate and severe consequences, including dismissal from office .
The President also instructed security and regulatory agencies to intensify their efforts in combating illegal mining, citing recent successes in reclaiming forest reserves previously devastated by mining activities. He described illegal mining as a national crisis, highlighting its far-reaching consequences on the economy, public health, and livelihoods.
The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, a key component of Mahama’s 120-day social contract with Ghanaians, aims to restore degraded lands, particularly those affected by illegal mining and deforestation. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, with Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah underscoring the urgency of the program.
CNR/Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
