President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals and groups reportedly engaged in illegal mining widely known as galamsey in the forest reserves.

Speaking at the swearing-in of the 3rd batch of ministers on Thursday, January 30, President Mahama tasked the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Minister for the Interior, the Attorney General, and the Minister for Justice to ensure that illegal miners face the full force of the law.

“I urge them to take immediate steps to ensure the arrest and prosecution of any persons or group of persons engaged in this illegality,” he ordered.

This follows reports that the government had authorised mining activities in forest reserves. A reportage that has been dismissed.

The President also made it clear that no member of his administration is permitted to engage in small-scale mining or galamsey, warning that any government official found in violation will face swift and severe sanctions.

Mr Mahama emphasised the responsibility of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to protect Ghana’s environment and manage the country’s natural resources effectively.

“As Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, you’ll be charged with the duty of safeguarding the environment from marauding galamseyers and managing our natural resources effectively,” he stated.

He also reiterated his administration’s firm stance against mining in forest reserves, announcing a ban on the issuance of new mining leases in such areas. Additionally, he ordered a prompt revocation of all leases granted under the previous government for mining operations in forest reserves.

“In addition, let me state categorically that this government has not given any person or group of persons any authority to carry out any form of mining in these forest reserves, as recently reported,” he declared.