President John Dramani Mahama has called on all Ghanaians to support government’s fight against illegal mining, stressing that the crackdown will be pursued “without fear or favour.” Speaking at the Ghana Military Academy graduation on Friday, January 30, 2026, the President said illegal mining has caused extensive destruction to rivers, forests, and farmlands, making decisive …
Ghana: Illegal mining fight will succeed only with national support-Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has called on all Ghanaians to support government’s fight against illegal mining, stressing that the crackdown will be pursued “without fear or favour.”
Speaking at the Ghana Military Academy graduation on Friday, January 30, 2026, the President said illegal mining has caused extensive destruction to rivers, forests, and farmlands, making decisive state action unavoidable.
He said the government has established the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to lead a coordinated national response anchored on strict law enforcement, public education, alternative livelihoods, technology deployment, and stronger institutional collaboration.
According to President Mahama, forest reserves and polluted river bodies have been declared security zones, permanent military bases have been established in affected areas, and offenders are being arrested and prosecuted regardless of status or influence.
He noted that early results are already being recorded, with rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin gradually recovering.
President Mahama described the fight against illegal mining as a moral and generational responsibility and urged citizens to unite in protecting Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
