President John Dramani Mahama has called for a new approach to artisanal and small-scale mining, describing miners in the informal sector not as enemies of the state, but as potential partners in restoring degraded lands and protecting the environment.
Speaking at the Global Mining Summit in Accra on Monday, President Mahama emphasised that with the right training and support, artisanal miners can play a vital role in Ghana’s efforts to reclaim forest reserves and restore water bodies damaged by illegal mining.
“Let me be clear at this juncture, artisanal miners are not enemies of the state, if properly trained and supported, they can be allies in our development,” the President said.
He stated that government is actively engaging with small-scale miners in an inclusive strategy to rehabilitate lands and reforest areas affected by galamsey operations.
“We are working with the small-scale mining sector to reclaim our forest reserves and restore the purity of our water bodies,” President Mahama said.
The President also highlighted the role of river guards, a special task force deployed to safeguard Ghana’s water resources from further pollution caused by illegal mining activities.
“Our river guards are on the ground ensuring that our rivers and banks are protected. Their presence is already making a difference,” he noted.
The remarks form part of the government’s broader strategy to promote responsible mining and environmental sustainability, while empowering local miners to contribute meaningfully to national development.
