President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive prohibiting government officials from engaging in any form of mining, effective immediately. Apexnewsgh reports This move is part of his broader environmental agenda, which includes revoking mining leases in forest reserves and banning new leases in protected areas. Speaking at the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, President Mahama emphasized that any government official wishing to venture into mining must first resign from their position. “If you want to be a miner, leave the government and go be a miner,” he declared. Mahama warned that officials found violating this directive will face severe consequences, including dismissal. The President also instructed security and regulatory agencies to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining, citing recent successes in reclaiming devastated forest reserves. 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, aims to restore degraded lands affected by illegal mining and deforestation. Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah underscored the program’s urgency, warning that Ghana’s forest cover is depleting at an alarming rate, posing serious ecological risks. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a significant step towards combating illegal mining in Ghana, a technical committee jointly established by the Ministries of Lands and Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Technology has presented its report to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Apexnewsgh reports The report, presented on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, outlines key recommendations to tackle the issue of illegal mining, including: – Revocation of Mining Licenses: All mining licenses granted after the 2024 elections will be revoked. – Overhaul of Community Mining Scheme: The existing Community Mining Scheme will be disbanded and replaced with Small-Scale Cooperatives that will actually serve and benefit the communities. – Decentralization of Mining Licenses: The issuance of mining licenses will be decentralized. – Repeal of LI 2462: The law that gives the President the right to sanction mining in forest reserves will be repealed. Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah commended the experts on the committee for their incredible service to the nation, noting that their report will serve as the blueprint for the government’s actions against illegal mining. The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammad, reiterated that the galamsey fight is a moral battle for the protection of Ghanaian lives and warned that even members of the NDC caught behind the menace will not be spared from punitive actions. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

A storm is brewing over the sale of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited (GBC) to Ofori-Poku Company Limited (OPCL), with renowned private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu calling for a forensic investigation into the transaction. Apexnewsgh reports Kpebu’s concerns center around possible undervaluation and insider trading, which he believes warrant a thorough probe. At the heart of the controversy is the valuation of GBC, which skyrocketed from $12.5 million in 2022 to over $1 billion in less than two years. Kpebu questioned the integrity of the initial valuation, pointing out that the individual who conducted the 2022 valuation is now serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of OPCL. Kpebu also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting that the owner of OPCL was reportedly a board member of GBC at the time of the sale. This, he argued, raises questions about insider trading and the need for greater transparency and accountability. The sale of GBC has been shrouded in controversy, with the Government of Ghana (GoG) initially declining to acquire the remaining 80% shares in 2022, citing a lack of value for money. However, OPCL’s acquisition of the company has raised eyebrows, with Kpebu questioning whether the company’s owner has ties to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Kpebu’s call for a forensic investigation has reignited public debate over state asset sales and the need for greater oversight and due diligence in privatization deals. He urged civil society groups, anti-corruption agencies, and Parliament to take immediate action to ensure transparency and accountability. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a bold move to combat illegal mining, a combined team of the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) of the Forestry Commission (FC) and 30 military personnel raided the Tano Anwia Forest Reserve in the Enchi Forest District of the Western North Region. Apexnewsgh.com The operation, which took place on Sunday, March 9, 2025, resulted in the seizure of nine excavators, one bulldozer, and the arrest of four individuals engaged in illegal mining. This decisive action followed a series of previous operations aimed at stopping illegal mining activities in the forest reserve. On March 4, 2025, a team from the Forest Services Division (FSD) of the FC, along with the RRU, stormed the reserve after receiving a tip-off about illegal mining. Although they successfully drove out 12 excavators, they were unable to make any arrests due to the miners being heavily armed and outnumbering them. Undeterred, the team re-entered the reserve on March 6, 2025, to prevent the miners from returning. However, on March 8, 2025, the miners regrouped and re-entered the reserve, overpowering the enforcement team once again. This led to widespread public concern, with videos and images of the illegal mining activities circulating on social media. In response, a joint team comprising the military and the RRU was deployed for a full-scale operation. The team successfully arrested four illegal miners and seized nine excavators and a bulldozer. The confiscated equipment is being transported to the Enchi District Assembly premises, and the Forestry Commission has lodged a formal complaint with the Enchi District Police Command for further investigations and legal action. The government has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and has warned illegal miners against encroaching on protected lands. The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized the government’s firm stance against illegal mining, stating that they will not relent until every inch of the forest reserve is safeguarded. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Kodzo Yaotse, Policy Lead for Petroleum and Conventional Energy at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy, has delivered a scathing verdict on the Gold-for-Oil program, calling it a failure. In an interview, Yaotse pointed to significant losses incurred and fuel prices continuing to rise, despite the program’s suspension. Apexnewsgh reports Yaotse laid the blame squarely on the previous government, citing their failure to establish a specialized department with experts to effectively manage the program. This lack of oversight, he argued, led to the program’s downfall. Now, Yaotse is calling on the governor to produce a detailed report outlining what went wrong and the full extent of the losses incurred. To mitigate the rising fuel prices, Yaotse urged the government to take immediate action. He recommended stabilizing the currency and rationalizing taxes on petroleum products. These measures, he believes, would help control prices and alleviate the burden on consumers. The Africa Centre for Energy Policy has issued a statement on the matter, emphasizing that the charges incurred are ultimately passed on to consumers and should be reconsidered. As the debate surrounding the Gold-for-Oil program continues, one thing is clear: urgent action is needed to address the rising fuel prices and stabilize Ghana’s energy sector. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, spearheaded a joint security operation targeting illegal mining activities in the Tilli Forest Reserve. Apexnewsgh reports The operation, which took place on February 4, 2025, resulted in 73 arrests, including infants, and the seizure of mining equipment. The raid was prompted by a complaint from Naba Sigri Bewong, chief of Sakoti in the Nabdam District, who reported foreign miners invading the reserve. Hon. Akamugri explained that the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) meeting was convened to verify the paramount chief’s claims. “We have seen that there is some mining in the river itself. Some people are actively doing mining in the river,” he said. The operation, conducted by a team of police, military, and immigration officers, uncovered a significant amount of mining equipment, including air compressors, drilling machines, motorbikes, and gold-processing equipment. Among those detained were 27 Togolese, two Burkinabes, and 41 Ghanaians. Hon. Akamugri emphasized that forest reserves are not meant for economic activities, and illegal mining is unacceptable. “Forest reserves are not places for anyone to trade any economic activity except for the purpose for which they were reserved. So illegal mining is unacceptable. Any mining is not accepted,” he stated. The Red Volta River, which connects to the White Volta, has suffered significant environmental damage due to the illegal mining operations. The regional minister’s efforts aim to protect Ghana’s natural resources and preserve the environment for future generations. Source: Apexnewsgh.com

In a bold move to combat the scourge of illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive to the national task force to seize excavators used in such operations rather than destroying them. Apexnewsgh reports This strategic shift, announced on February 21, 2025, aims to strike a balance between enforcing the law and preserving valuable equipment for potential productive use. Speaking at the Jubilee House after a meeting with members of the Christian Council, President Mahama emphasized the importance of a balanced approach. “I’ve told them not to burn the excavators. They should confiscate them,” he stated, highlighting the need to protect the environment without unnecessary destruction of assets. The President painted a grim picture of the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment, revealing that 44 out of the country’s 288 forest reserves have been severely affected by illegal mining activities. Nine of these reserves have been completely overrun, rendering access by Forestry Commission officials impossible. To address these challenges, the government has initiated operations to reclaim and protect affected areas. Recent efforts in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve led to the seizure of excavators and other mining equipment. President Mahama’s directive to confiscate rather than destroy such machinery reflects a commitment to responsible resource management and environmental stewardship. The President also acknowledged the economic dimensions of small-scale mining, noting that approximately 1.8 million Ghanaians are engaged in the sector. While recognizing its role in livelihoods, he stressed the necessity of conducting mining activities responsibly to prevent environmental destruction. As the government continues to grapple with the complex issue of galamsey, President Mahama’s directive marks a significant shift in strategy. By confiscating excavators rather than destroying them, the government aims to preserve valuable equipment while maintaining a firm stance against environmental degradation. Source: Apexnewsgh.com