Government Intensifies Nationwide Crackdown on Galamsey with Specialised Security Training
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), in partnership with Ghana’s security agencies, has ramped up its campaign against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, by training and deploying more combat-ready personnel for operations across the country. Illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most urgent environmental problems, leaving forests, rivers, and farmlands ravaged. Experts caution that contaminated water and soils are reducing agricultural productivity and endangering public health. Responding to the crisis, President John Dramani Mahama instructed sector Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to suspend the issuance of new mining licenses while a comprehensive sector review is undertaken. The Minister has also petitioned the Attorney-General to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2462, which has faced criticism from civil society for allegedly enabling galamsey activities. In a further step, the Minister launched the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) to coordinate and strengthen anti-galamsey interventions. Officials report that NAIMOS is already yielding positive results. To consolidate these gains, NAIMOS Coordinator, Col. Buah, has introduced a specialised training programme for security officers. The training covers forest laws, land regulations, and operational protocols, equipping over a thousand personnel to deter, halt, and apprehend illegal miners at more than 44 identified flashpoints. Unlike previous efforts, the newly trained officers will be stationed permanently at affected sites and rotated regularly to maintain vigilance. The initiative also calls for close collaboration with traditional leaders, while emphasizing uncompromised enforcement. This crackdown builds on earlier interventions, such as rCOMSDEP and Blue Water Guards, aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources. Minister Armah-Kofi Buah affirmed the government’s commitment to responsible mining, declaring, “This government supports responsible mining, but we will not tolerate destruction of our environment and livelihoods.” Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Galamsey Crisis: Adomako Kissi Calls on GoldBod to Fund Water Treatment
Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has called for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to bear the cost of water treatment in the wake of a proposed 281 percent tariff increase by Ghana Water Limited (GWL) Former Anyaa Sowutuom MP, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, is urging the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to shoulder the cost of water treatment in response to Ghana Water Limited’s (GWL) proposed 281 percent tariff hike. GWL has applied for regulatory approval to raise water tariffs from GH¢5.28 to GH¢20.09 per cubic metre, citing mounting debts, operational challenges, and the soaring expense of treating water tainted by illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey. Speaking on Accra-based media , Dr. Adomako Kissi argued that it is unjust for ordinary Ghanaians to absorb these costs. He pointed out that GoldBod, which profits from purchasing gold from both legal and illegal miners, should be held responsible for the environmental damage inflicted on Ghana’s water bodies. “The GoldBod has made a huge amount of money, which they have flaunted; they have told everybody. Why must I pay for the water treatment as a Ghanaian? Why must I bear that burden? I really think that the revenue from gold that has been flaunted everywhere, a portion of that should be used to work on all the water facilities in this country. I really think that the true beneficiary of the damages to all of our water bodies is the gold and mining industry,” he stated. Dr. Adomako Kissi further contended that it is unfair for Ghana Water Limited to pass the burden on to consumers. “The idea that Ghana Water Company wishes to increase tariffs that I and you have nothing to do with in terms of damage to our water, I think it is very wrongfully placed. As it stands now, all the gold, whether legal or illegal, goes to GoldBod, and as a matter of fact, I think they should be made to pay for all the water damages in this country,” he added. Meanwhile, GWL has defended its tariff proposal, explaining that, in addition to pollution from galamsey, factors such as foreign exchange pressures and the high cost of imported equipment and chemicals have compounded its financial difficulties. The debate highlights growing concerns over who should bear the cost of environmental damage and the broader impact of illegal mining on public utilities and consumers. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Galamsey Threatens Ghana’s Rubber Industry: A Warning from GAWU’s Former Secretary
Edward Kareweh, the former General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), sat before the cameras, his expression grave. He had come with a warning that could not be ignored: illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, was devastating Ghana’s rubber industry. Kareweh recalled a time when rubber farmers had to contend with competition from oil palm and cocoa. “Mainly, it used to be oil palm and cocoa,” he explained. “Rubber grows where other crops also grow, so when you expand oil palm, then the land available for rubber expansion is taken away; if you expand cocoa production, then that land is also taken away. So they used to be that competition.” But now, a new and more dangerous threat had emerged. Galamsey, once limited in scale, had grown into a modern scourge. Kareweh described it as more dangerous than any challenge the industry had faced before. “The advent of the modern-day galamsey is destroying existing rubber plantations, oil palm plantations, and cocoa plantations,” he stressed. Farmlands and plantations were being wiped out, leaving devastation in their wake. The crisis had become so severe that some rubber farmers, seeing no other way out, had begun selling off their plantations to illegal miners. This, Kareweh warned, was compounding the disaster, accelerating the decline of rubber production in Ghana. The consequences are already being felt. The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has sounded the alarm that rubber processing plants across the country are on the brink of collapse due to a severe shortage of raw materials. If the tide of galamsey is not stemmed soon, Kareweh’s warning may prove to be a grim prophecy fulfilled. The future of Ghana’s rubber industry, once a source of hope for many farmers, now hangs in the balance, threatened by the relentless advance of illegal mining. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Lands Minister to Galamseyers: “Keep Off Our Rivers or Pay the Price
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a strong warning to illegal miners, urging them to stop polluting Ghana’s rivers or face serious consequences Illegal miners operating along Ghana’s vital waterways have been put on notice. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has delivered a stern warning: cease polluting the nation’s rivers or be prepared to face severe repercussions. “We are sending a warning to anybody who has been violating our laws and destroying our water bodies. We are determined to turn them blue again. This order has already been given—stay out, or you do so at your own peril,” Buah declared during an anti-galamsey patrol with officers from the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) along the heavily polluted Ankobra River, stretching from Wiawso to Akango in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region. Minister Buah emphasized that Ghana’s approach to illegal mining, especially activities in and around river bodies, is entering a decisive new phase. “We are moving to another major phase of our fight against illegal mining. There is no law in Ghana that allows anybody to mine in any river body,” he stressed. “Yet, our major rivers that are key to our survival are being destroyed.” He further noted that President John Dramani Mahama has directed security forces to take full control of all major river bodies as part of a robust new enforcement strategy. “In the coming months, you will see a new shift. President Mahama’s focus is clear—we are going to take direct control of every river body. There will be a clear occupation by our security forces on all the major rivers,” Buah stated. The message from the Minister is unambiguous: illegal miners must abandon their operations in Ghana’s rivers or face the full force of the law, as the government intensifies efforts to restore and protect the country’s precious water resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Act Now or Watch Ghana Perish”: Nyaho-Tamakloe’s Stark Warning on Galamsey
A founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has issued a stark warning about the destructive effects of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, urging Ghanaians to take immediate action to stop the environmental and social devastation Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has sounded an urgent alarm over the unchecked spread of illegal mining, or galamsey, across Ghana. In a passionate statement, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe declared, “For years, I have spoken about the dangers of galamsey, and today I must speak again, louder and clearer: illegal mining is destroying Ghana, and we cannot afford to look away any longer.” Drawing from his own observations, he described the heartbreaking transformation of Ghana’s rivers, forests, and farmlands. “The Pra, Birim, Ankobra, and countless others have turned into lifeless streams of mud and poison. Communities that once drank clean water now depend on polluted, toxic rivers. Farmers who once tilled fertile land now stand on wastelands scarred by reckless mining,” he lamented. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe warned that galamsey’s impacts extend beyond the environment, threatening public health and social stability. He pointed to rising cases of skin diseases, waterborne infections, and kidney ailments in mining zones, with pregnant women and children among the most vulnerable. “Communities in mining zones are now reporting rising cases of skin diseases, waterborne infections, and even new kidney cases, spread through the influx of transient workers. Pregnant women and children are drinking contaminated water, with long-term effects on their health,” he explained. The NPP stalwart also sounded the alarm on food safety, noting that toxic chemicals from galamsey have seeped into the food chain. “Fish, vegetables, and staple crops are being poisoned, creating a silent epidemic of food contamination. Ghanaians are unknowingly eating poison every day because of galamsey. This is not speculation—this is happening now,” he stressed. Describing galamsey as a “cancer destroying our country,” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe blamed political interference, corruption, and selective justice for allowing the menace to persist. He insisted that the Ghana Armed Forces have the capacity to end galamsey swiftly—if only politicians would allow them to act without interference. To combat the crisis, Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe proposed several urgent measures: declaring galamsey a national emergency, depoliticising enforcement, holding all actors accountable, restoring damaged land and rivers, providing alternative livelihoods for the youth, and ensuring transparency in licensing. He called on all Ghanaians, citizens, chiefs, journalists, civil society, and faith leaders, to speak out against galamsey, warning that “silence is complicity. Neutrality is betrayal.” Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe also appealed to the international community for tangible support and accountability, urging a united front in the fight to save Ghana’s environment and future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
U.S. Customs Officials Intercept Stolen Bulldozer Bound for Ghana at Port of Baltimore
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in Baltimore have intercepted a stolen bulldozer that was being shipped to Ghana. The discovery was made on September 3, 2025, during a routine inspection at the Port of Baltimore. CBP officers examined a 2015 Caterpillar D8T Dozer, valued at $237,000, and found that its vehicle identification number matched an active theft report filed in Carroll County, Maryland. The bulldozer was immediately seized as evidence. Authorities have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the attempted export of the stolen equipment. CBP officials highlighted that the interception underscores the agency’s critical role in protecting U.S. exports and combating the international trafficking of stolen goods. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Forest Reserves—No New Mining Licenses Issued
President John Mahama addressed the media and set the record straight: not a single license has been granted for mining in Ghana’s forest reserves since his government assumed office. Determined to underline his administration’s dedication to environmental protection, President Mahama revealed that his government is taking concrete steps to repeal L.I. 2462, the law that currently permits mining activities in these sensitive ecological areas. “Steps are currently underway to repeal L.I. 2462 to formalize our commitment to end mining in forest reserves. Let me be clear, since my administration resumed office not a single license has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves,” President Mahama declared, emphasizing that this move would reinforce the government’s resolve to safeguard Ghana’s forests. Backing the President’s pledge, the Acting Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially written to the Office of the Attorney General, requesting the immediate revocation of both L.I. 2462 and its amended version, L.I. 2501. A statement from the Ministry, dated August 29, 2025, and signed by Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, explained that this action aims to strengthen the legal framework against illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’ The Ministry’s statement further noted that repealing these laws is a crucial step in stopping the environmental destruction that has polluted Ghana’s water bodies and degraded its forest reserves. It also affirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency’s current guidelines already provide robust oversight for responsible mining practices. L.I. 2462, which was introduced under the EPA Act, allowed for the granting of mining licenses within forest reserves if the President approved the activity under the guise of “national interest.” However, this regulation drew heavy criticism from civil society and environmental advocates, who blamed it for escalating ecological damage. In October 2024, the then Attorney-General had already presented a new legal instrument to Parliament—the Environmental Protection (Mining in Forest Reserves) (Revocation) Instrument, 2024, seeking to make all mining in forest reserves illegal. President Mahama’s recent announcement, reinforced by decisive ministerial action, marks a new chapter in Ghana’s efforts to protect its natural heritage for generations to come. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
President Mahama Honors Sikaman-Brofoyedu Heroes for Bravery in Helicopter Crash Recovery
President John Dramani Mahama has extended heartfelt gratitude to 13 residents of Sikaman-Brofoyedu, whose courageous efforts were instrumental in recovering the bodies of eight victims from the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025. On Wednesday, August 27, National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah visited the community on behalf of the President to personally thank the rescuers and deliver a robust package of government support. The devastating crash, which occurred in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve in the Adansi Akrofrom District, claimed the lives of eight notable officials, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who were on official assignment. Addressing the residents, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah conveyed the President’s deep appreciation: “President Mahama has asked me to represent him and thank the residents who helped us recover the bodies of our eight men. We have a plaque for all of you in honour of what you did.” In addition to the symbolic gesture, the government presented a substantial financial package, announcing a cash donation for the 13 individuals directly involved in the rescue operation. The Adansi Traditional Council also received GHS20,000 to support traditional rites. Mr. Asiedu Nketiah assured the community that any outstanding needs would be addressed, emphasizing government’s ongoing commitment. Looking beyond immediate support, President Mahama has pledged lasting benefits for the rescuers and the community. All 13 individuals who aided in the recovery will be offered jobs suited to their abilities, and the President has promised to address local infrastructure, including a commitment to fix the community’s road. “President Mahama has also assured to fix your road,” Mr. Asiedu Nketiah affirmed, marking the government’s resolve to honour bravery with tangible action and ongoing support. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Lands Ministry Rejects Calls for State of Emergency as Silver Bullet Against Galamsey
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has pushed back against growing calls to declare a state of emergency as the ultimate fix for illegal mining, widely known as galamsey. Addressing the matter, the Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, urged the public and stakeholders to avoid treating such a declaration as a magic solution. Schandorf pointed out that many of the robust measures typically associated with emergency powers are already in play. “Declaring a state of emergency means the military will come into full scope, and we have done military deployment already,” he explained, adding that these interventions are beginning to pay off. He emphasized that, unlike in previous years when drastic measures were required, the government’s sustained efforts have significantly curbed galamsey activities. According to Schandorf, the country has now moved out of the “red zone,” and attention should shift to building on the progress made so far. Rather than seeking extraordinary actions, Schandorf called on all stakeholders to focus on education and consistent enforcement to secure lasting results. He assured the public that the government remains dedicated to stamping out illegal mining and consolidating the gains made in the ongoing fight against galamsey. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in Ashanti Region
The Special Anti-Galamsey Task Force has impounded two excavators in the Asante Akim South Municipality of the Ashanti Region. Led by ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil, a 37-member team supported by six service vehicles descended upon the Dwendwenase Forest Reserve on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at around 1:30 p.m. The operation was prompted by intelligence reports that Chinese nationals had invaded parts of the forest reserve, engaging in illegal mining activities. When the task force stormed the area, the suspected miners fled, leaving behind two excavators. One of the machines was faulty and couldn’t be moved, but the other was successfully loaded onto a low-bed carrier. The task force didn’t stop there. Fresh intelligence led them to a nearby village, Atta Ne Atta, where another excavator was hidden in a cocoa farm. Although the machine’s operator had disconnected some components to prevent its use, the technical team managed to start it and load it onto the carrier. Both excavators were later transported to the task force’s base at Patase for safekeeping and further action. This operation is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, which poses a significant threat to Ghana’s forest reserves, farmlands, and water bodies. The task force’s success is a testament to their dedication and the effectiveness of their strategies. As the government continues to crack down on illegal mining, it’s clear that the fight against galamsey will remain a top priority. Source: Apexnewsgh.com