Speaking at his first media encounter on Wednesday, September 10, the President said a dedicated national task force has been deployed to tackle the menace, with significant gains already recorded.

He disclosed that the task force’s operations have led to the seizure of hundreds of excavators, water pumps, and other heavy equipment used in illegal mining activities.

According to him, the disruption of these networks marks a decisive step toward protecting water bodies and restoring degraded lands.

The President further revealed that nine forest reserves, which had been taken over by illegal miners, have now been reclaimed. He stressed that safeguarding natural resources is central to his administration’s development agenda, as environmental degradation undermines both public health and economic sustainability.

Mahama assured Ghanaians that the government would sustain the fight against illegal mining while working with local communities to promote responsible and sustainable practices in the extractive sector.

He reiterated that protecting Ghana’s rivers, forests, and lands is a duty owed to future generations.

“We’re taking decisive action to protect our environment and natural resources from destruction. A dedicated national task force is in place, 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. Disrupting the networks that have long exploited our rivers. Nine forest reserves have been reclaimed from the grips of illegal miners,” he said.