President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to confronting illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, “decisively and without fear or favour,” and called on Ghanaians to help protect the country’s rivers and forests.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Ghana Military Academy on January 30, the President said several forest reserves and major river bodies have been declared security zones, with permanent military bases established in affected areas to deter illegal mining. He said offenders have been arrested and are being prosecuted, adding that rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra and Offin are showing signs of recovery.
President Mahama stressed that the fight against galamsey remains a top national priority and urged citizens to support the effort, describing it as a moral, civic and generational responsibility.