Ghana Cracks Down on Illegal Mining with Mandatory Excavator Registration
In a bid to combat the growing menace of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced a new policy requiring the mandatory registration of all excavators entering Ghana’s ports. Apexnewsgh reports This move, set to take effect on May 1, 2025, aims to track and monitor the ownership and usage of these heavy machines, often used in unauthorized mining operations. According to Julius Neequaye Kotey, Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, the registration policy will enhance accountability and traceability of excavators, ensuring their use aligns with legal and environmentally sustainable practices. By creating a comprehensive database of excavators entering the country, authorities hope to curb the diversion of these machines to illegal mining sites, which has contributed to environmental degradation and undermined lawful mining operations. The decision comes on the heels of concerns raised over the massive importation of excavators, valued at approximately GH¢6.2 billion in 2024 alone, making them the third-largest import item in the country. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has emphasized the need for regulatory measures to monitor excavator usage effectively. The government has pledged to work closely with agencies like the DVLA and the Ministry of Transport to implement systems that track excavator usage. As the implementation date approaches, stakeholders, including importers and operators of heavy machinery, are urged to comply with the new registration requirements. Failure to register excavators may result in penalties or the impounding of equipment, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing the new policy. The mandatory registration of excavators is part of a broader strategy to curb illegal mining and promote sustainable resource management in Ghana. By regulating the use of heavy machinery, the government aims to protect the environment, ensure lawful mining operations, and promote responsible resource utilization. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Why Arresting and Putting Poor Youth Involved in Galamsay in Prison? – Prof Avea Nsoh
Former Upper East Regional Minister, Prof. Avea Ephraim Nsoh, voiced his concerns about the harsh treatment faced by young individuals resorting to illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsay,” as a means of survival. His remarks brought attention to the plight of those driven to such activities in the absence of viable job opportunities. “If I were the President, no galamsey worker would find themselves behind bars,” Prof. Nsoh proclaimed with conviction. He argued that rather than imprisoning these individuals, they should be allowed to express their frustrations and take to the streets in protest. “We pay the President, Vice President, and Ministers to provide jobs, yet they sit idle as our youth suffer. What do you expect Ghanaians to do?” he questioned, emphasizing the urgent need for government action. The former minister challenged authorities to reconsider their approach before arresting those engaged in illegal mining. He urged for proactive measures to create employment opportunities instead of targeting the vulnerable. “I’m not condoning Akonta’s actions, if the allegations against them are true, but we need to recognize that these young people are simply trying to survive,” he said. Prof. Nsoh also shed light on a concerning reality: many graduates have turned to galamsay not out of choice but out of necessity. “Some of my students are involved in mining activities to make ends meet, despite having completed their university education,” he revealed. “They feel they have no other option but to join their peers in the forests.” His call for compassion extended to highlighting the need for a more focused response from the government. “It makes more sense to arrest those foreign nationals and powerful individuals who are wreaking havoc on our forests than to persecute the poor who are merely trying to survive,” he concluded. Prof. Avea Ephraim Nsoh’s heartfelt remarks resonate with a broader call for understanding and support for the youth who are caught in a challenging situation, urging authorities to work towards sustainable solutions that address the root causes of illegal mining in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Dr. Ashigbey Urges Government to Deal with Galamsey Within Two Years
The Convenor of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, Dr. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, has called on the government to deal with the issue of illegal small-scale mining within two years. Apexnewsgh reports He suggested that the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) should be tied to their ability to fight galamsey. “The KPIs of our newly sworn-in MMDCEs should be tied to their ability to fight illegal mining. This administration must deal with this menace within two years,” Ashigbey said. This approach aims to hold local leaders accountable for tackling the galamsey menace in their areas. The CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, highlighted the severity of the galamsey issue, stating that the activities of illegal small-scale miners are compromising the integrity of the Bui Dam. “Bui Dam is getting compromised…this is a dam we used 600 million dollars to construct,” he said. Tameklo expressed confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s ability to deal with the galamsey menace, noting that the president is committed to addressing the issue. “I am absolutely confident that President Mahama will fight this, galamsey was terrible for the past 8 years,” he added. The Convener of the One Ghana Movement, Senyo Hosi, described Ghana as a failing state due to the increasing rate of illegal small-scale mining. He called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding foreign nationals creating their own community in galamsey areas, citing national security concerns. A joint team from the Forestry Commission and the Armed Forces raided Abrewa Ninkrane, a notorious galamsey enclave, and set ablaze several makeshift camps used by illegal miners. The operation aimed to protect the Subri Forest Reserve from further destruction. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Professor Gyampo Urges President Mahama to Repeal Mining LI
The CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to listen to the concerns of the people and repeal the Legislative Instrument (LI) that allows mining in forests. Apexnewsgh reports Gyampo emphasized that the Mahama administration was brought into office by the very people who are calling for the law to be repealed, and therefore, the president must listen. “You said that you will repeal the LI. Ghanaians are saying that you made the promise, live by it. Just repeal, listen to what the people are saying, and repeal,” Gyampo said. He added that a government is brought into office to serve the people, and if the people want the LI repealed, the president should listen. The CEO of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Godwin Edidzi Tameklo, assured that President Mahama will listen to constructive conversations. “President John Mahama is going to listen to constructive conversation,” he said. Stakeholders, including the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), have urged the Mahama administration to repeal the LI rather than amend it. UTAG also called for increased efforts to eradicate illegal mining, including deploying more security forces to enforce security red zones in forest reserves and water bodies. During the 2024 campaign season, President Mahama promised to repeal the LI that permits mining in forests. However, his administration has signaled plans to amend it instead. The Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, assured that concerns around the LI would be addressed through the amendment process. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana Police Storm Forest Reserve, Arrest 26 in Major Illegal Mining Bust
Ghana Police have raided a forest reserve near Samreboi in the Western Region, leading to the arrest of 26 individuals involved in the unlawful extraction of gold. Apexnewsgh reports The operation, which revealed deep-rooted issues related to environmental degradation, saw six Chinese nationals, two Koreans, and eighteen Ghanaians apprehended as they worked within a protected area. The meticulously coordinated raid was executed by elite units of the Ghana Police, including the Intelligence Directorate, the Criminal Investigations Department, the National Operations Directorate, and the Formed Police Unit. The intelligence-driven operation emerged from the urgent need to combat illegal mining activities that have ravaged Ghana’s forests and polluted its waterways. What has sent shockwaves through the political landscape is the connection drawn between this illegal mining site and Akonta Mining Company, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako—better known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). While this isn’t the first time Wontumi has been linked to controversies surrounding gold mining, the scale and organization of this bust have cast new light on the magnitude of the problem and the political entanglements involved. Upon arrival, law enforcement officials uncovered a staggering amount of mining and security equipment, including eight excavators (with five left behind due to logistical complications), two Toyota Hilux pickups, a Toyota RAV4, four motorbikes, and a myriad of tools and firearms. The cache underscored the extent of illegal operations that have left the forest scarred—trees flattened, land gouged, and water bodies poisoned, impacting local communities that depend on these resources. Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, hailed the professionalism of the police in carrying out the operation and reiterated their commitment to fighting illegal mining. “This operation marks a significant step in our battle against environmental terrorism. We are determined to protect our nation’s natural resources for future generations,” he asserted. Currently, the suspects remain in custody, poised to face legal proceedings in the upcoming days. The political ramifications of this incident are already igniting public debate, especially as Ghana approaches an election season where issues of galamsey, corruption, and environmental governance are set to dominate the discourse. Environmental advocates are urging for an independent inquiry into the political protection that clandestine mining operations seem to enjoy, while opposition parties are calling for greater transparency and accountability from those in positions of power. The unfolding events not only expose a glaring environmental crisis but also highlight the complex interplay of politics and illegal mining in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana to Assume Control of Damang Mine After Gold Fields’ Exit
The Ghanaian government has announced plans to take over the Damang Mine after Gold Fields’ mining lease expires in April 2025. Apexnewsgh reports According to Isaac Tandoh, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, the country is ready to assume full control of the mine. “We will run it,” Tandoh stated bluntly when asked about Ghana’s plans for the mine after Gold Fields’ departure. He emphasized that mining agreements cannot last indefinitely and that the government will support foreign investments but take over when agreements expire. Tandoh dismissed concerns about Ghana’s capacity to manage the mine, highlighting that local expertise can immediately begin working on several unmined smaller pits within the Damang concession. “People have been talking about capacity and capital, but we have a lot of local capacity, including rock shovels, BCMs, engineers, and planners,” he said. The Damang Mine, spread across 23,666 hectares, is located 30km north of Tarkwa in Southwest Ghana. Gold Fields Ghana Holdings Limited currently owns 71.1% of the mine, IAMGOLD owns 18.9%, and the Ghanaian government holds 10%. Tandoh revealed that all discussions held so far point to a state-led operation of the Damang Mine after Gold Fields’ exit. “In all the meetings I have been in and all the discussions I have had, we are looking at the state running the mine. No individual will be made to do that,” he added. With local technical know-how readily available, Ghana is poised to take control of the mine and develop its resources. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Government’s Stance on Mining in Forest Areas Sparks Controversy
Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has assured Ghanaians that concerns surrounding the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) permitting mining in forest areas will be addressed through the amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act 2003. Apexnewsgh reports According to Dr. Muhammed, this move demonstrates the Mahama administration’s commitment to listening to the concerns of its citizens. We are beginning the process of amending the Minerals and Mining Act 2003 to bar individuals from mining in forest areas,” Dr. Muhammed stated on TV3’s Key Points program. He emphasized that this process would satisfy issues around the L.I, showcasing the government’s willingness to listen and respond to public concerns. However, Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, has criticized the government’s stance, urging President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his promise to revoke the L.I entirely. Dr. Ashigbey argued that the particular L.I is “bad and should go,” questioning why the president has been able to remove the E-levy but seems hesitant to revoke the L.I for mining in forest areas. Dr. Ashigbey’s sentiments were echoed in his statement, “How come the president who said he is going to revoke L.I, is now saying that we should amend, that is a blot.” This criticism highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the government’s approach to addressing galamsey and environmental concerns in Ghana. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Galamsey Fight Must Be Lifelong Commitment, Not Short-Term Campaign – Gov’t Spokesman
The Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has called for a fundamental shift in how Ghana approaches its battle against illegal mining (galamsey), stressing that the fight requires sustained, unending commitment rather than time-bound campaigns. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face program on Tuesday, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the notion of setting rigid deadlines to eradicate galamsey, arguing that illegal mining will always resurface if vigilance wavers. “The conversation shouldn’t be about timelines. Combating galamsey must be a continuous, lifelong responsibility of the state,” he asserted. “We must accept that there will always be those who try to exploit our resources illegally—our duty is to stop them every single time.” His remarks come amid growing public frustration over the persistent destruction of water bodies, forests, and farmlands by illegal miners, despite numerous government interventions. Kwakye Ofosu acknowledged that Ghanaians are tired of empty assurances and want visible, decisive enforcement. “What matters is that people see real action—whenever someone engages in galamsey, they must face immediate consequences. That’s the commitment the public expects, not unrealistic pledges like, ‘We’ll end it in two months,’” he emphasized. He stressed that only consistent enforcement, stronger monitoring, and community involvement can gradually reduce the menace. While the government has deployed military task forces and high-tech monitoring systems, Kwakye Ofosu’s comments suggest a shift toward sustained policy rather than temporary crackdowns. Civil society groups, however, remain skeptical, demanding more transparency in anti-galamsey operations and stiffer penalties for offenders, including public officials involved in the trade. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Goldbod Initiative: A Game Changer for the Economy—Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stands optimistic about a pioneering program known as the Goldbod initiative. Apexnewsgh reports During a recent meeting with Myriam Montrat, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Forson declared Goldbod a potential game changer, aimed at stabilizing the cedi, enhancing foreign exchange inflows, and fostering sustainable job creation. At its core, the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) represents a flagship initiative that seeks to transform the management and tracking of gold exports in the country. Designed as a specialized agency, Goldbod will formalize gold trading, especially supporting small-scale mining operations. This initiative focuses on traceability, which not only enhances the credibility of Ghanaian gold on international markets but also aligns with broader economic goals of currency stability and long-term growth. The benefits of Goldbod are multifaceted. By improving control over gold exports, the initiative intends to strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves, thereby offering a strategic buffer for the cedi. Moreover, rather than focusing solely on short-term revenue generation, Goldbod prioritizes the creation of jobs, aiming to alleviate some of the economic pressure faced by the cedi in recent times. Additionally, in a nod to the past successes of the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), Goldbod is set to build upon that legacy with an emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and impactful results. However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Dr. Forson openly acknowledged previous mismanagement issues within Cocobod but emphasized that these should not overshadow the broader vision for Goldbod. He expressed confidence that the initiative will be fully operational soon and highlighted the government’s commitment to implementing corrective actions under the guidance of the IMF to rectify structural issues inherited from past administrations. Moreover, the international dimension of Goldbod is enhanced by partnerships like the one with Canada. High Commissioner Montrat congratulated Dr. Forson on his recent appointment and reiterated Canada’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding ties with Ghana across various sectors, including agriculture and technical vocational education and training (TVET). Such partnerships could provide vital international support and investment, further solidifying Goldbod’s integral role in Ghana’s economic development. As the Goldbod initiative gathers momentum, it promises to be a transformative force in advancing Ghana’s economic agenda and improving the lives of its citizens. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Finance Minister Justifies Higher Taxes for Mining Companies
Ghana’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced an increase in taxes for mining companies during his 2025 budget statement. Apexnewsgh reports The Growth & Sustainability Levy for these firms will see a rise from 1% to 3%, a significant adjustment designed to ensure that gold mining companies contribute fairly to the nation’s progress. At a press conference, Dr. Forson underscored the importance of this measure, pointing out that the mining sector has consistently generated substantial profits. “Mining companies make significant profits, and it is only right that they contribute more to national development,” he asserted, reinforcing the belief that everyone should play a part in bolstering the country’s economy. The Finance Minister also took the opportunity to highlight the numerous economic reforms his government has implemented, with an eye toward stability and growth. He noted that these changes have been instrumental in easing the financial burdens faced by Ghanaians, ensuring improved public services, and fostering disciplined economic management. Among the key victories for the citizens, Dr. Forson pointed to recent bills signed into law by President John Mahama, which include the repeal of the contentious Electronic Transfer Levy, increased funding for vital social programs, and comprehensive tax reforms aimed at promoting economic growth. He also emphasized the importance of stricter financial discipline to ensure responsible fiscal management. In closing, Dr. Forson reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resetting Ghana’s economy for long-term stability and prosperity. “We are putting money back into the pockets of Ghanaians while making sure government finances remain strong,” he concluded, leaving the nation hopeful for a more equitable and robust economic future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com