No mining licences in forest reserves under Mahama
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
President John Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s forests, declaring that no mining licence has been granted since he took office.
Speaking at his maiden media encounter on Wednesday, 10 September, the President said safeguarding forest reserves remains a top national priority.
“Let me be clear, since my administration resumed office, not a single licence has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves. The repeal of LI 2462 is intended to crystallise in law what we have already demonstrated in practice—our commitment to protect these forest reserves,” he stated.
President Mahama detailed a nationwide clampdown on galamsey operations, noting that a dedicated national task force is seizing excavators, water pumps and other heavy equipment to disrupt illegal mining networks.
“Nine forest reserves have been successfully recovered from the grip of illegal miners, restoring these vital ecosystems under state protection,” he said.
President Mahama highlighted the ‘Tree for Life’ initiative, aimed at rehabilitating lands degraded by both legal and illegal mining activities.
“Our Tree for Life initiative is being actively rolled out across the country, targeting the restoration of lands degraded by legal mining activities,” he explained.
President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration remains steadfast in safeguarding natural resources and ensuring transparency.
“Public accountability and the recovery of looted state resources are top of your expectations from my government. Let me assure you, my fellow citizens, that we’ve not wavered in our commitment for even a moment, neither have we been complacent,” he added.
