By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama says his government will continue to deal firmly with illegal mining, stressing that the destruction of Ghana’s rivers, forests and farmlands will not be tolerated.
He said this while addressing the Graduation Parade of the Ghana Military Academy on Friday January 30, 2026, where officer cadets were commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces.
President Mahama described Ghana’s natural resources as a sacred trust, but noted that illegal mining has caused severe environmental damage.
He said government responded by establishing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat at NIMOS and rolling out a comprehensive strategy focused on strict enforcement, public education, alternative livelihoods, technology and strong institutional coordination.
According to the President, the measures are yielding results, with forests and river bodies declared as security zones, permanent military bases established and offenders arrested and prosecuted. He added that rivers such as the Pra and Ankobra are gradually recovering.
President Mahama stressed that the fight against illegal mining must be carried out without fear or favour, but requires national unity. He described the effort as a moral, civic and generational duty, and called on all Ghanaians to support the restoration and protection of the environment.
