
President John Dramani Mahama has called on all Ghanaians to unite in the fight against illegal mining, describing the battle as a moral, civic, and generational responsibility.
Addressing graduates at the Ghana Military Academy on Friday, January 30, 2026, the President said the destruction caused by galamsey threatens the country’s environmental sustainability and future development.
He explained that his government has adopted a comprehensive national strategy to confront the menace, including the creation of NAIMOS and the deployment of security forces to protect forest reserves and river bodies.
“Forests and river bodies are pronounced security zones. Permanent military bases have been established, offenders have been arrested, and prosecutions are ongoing,” he stated.
President Mahama added that early successes are already visible, citing the gradual recovery of major rivers such as the Ankobra and Offin.
Despite these gains, he emphasized that government action alone cannot eliminate illegal mining.
“To further intensify the fight against this menace, it will continue to be confronted head-on without fear or favour, but it requires national unity,” he said.
The President urged citizens, traditional authorities, and local communities to support state efforts to protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
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