President John Mahama has outlined tough measures to check illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’ by regulating the import of excavators.

He disclosed that Ghana has more excavators than any other African country, a situation fuelling illegal mining.

Speaking at the Global Mining Summit in Accra on June 2, 2025, President Mahama lamented the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves by a few people importing excavators to engage in illegal mining.

He announced that government has started a number of measures including a permitting regime to check the import of excavators.

“We intend to change the permitting regime. Ghana has more excavators in this country than in the whole of Africa. We are going to change the permitting regime. You will not be allowed to import an excavator or put it on a ship unless you get a permit before you can ship an excavator”, he said.

He stated that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is working with relevant stakeholders to halt illegal mining with the help of state security agencies.

President Mahama revealed that government with the collaboration of small scale miners have reclaimed 8 out of the 9 no-go zone forest reserves invaded by illegal miners.

“Our river guards are working on clearing many activities in our water bodies and the banks of our rivers”, he said.

He assured that government will strengthen environmental rules and social acceptable mining practices to protect forest reserves and water bodies.