President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his administration is stepping up the battle against illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, which continues to endanger Ghana’s environment and natural resources.

At his first media engagement on Wednesday, September 10, the President disclosed that a specially constituted national task force has been deployed to confront the menace, achieving notable progress to date.

He revealed that the task force’s operations had resulted in the confiscation of more than 400 excavators, alongside numerous water pumps and other heavy machinery used in illegal mining.

The President emphasised that these actions represent a crucial step towards safeguarding water bodies and restoring degraded landscapes.

Mr Mahama further disclosed that nine forest reserves previously overrun by illegal miners have now been reclaimed.

He underlined that protecting the nation’s natural heritage is a cornerstone of his government’s development priorities, arguing that environmental destruction poses a serious threat to both public health and economic growth.

“We are taking decisive action to protect our environment and natural resources from destruction. A dedicated national task force is actively combating the menace of illegal mining. As a result of their operations, hundreds of excavators, water pumps and other heavy equipment have been seized, while nine forest reserves have been reclaimed from the grips of illegal miners,” the President said.

He gave assurances that government would maintain momentum in the anti-galamsey campaign, while working with local communities to promote sustainable and responsible practices within the extractive industry. He stressed that preserving Ghana’s rivers, forests, and lands is a responsibility owed to future generations.