President John Dramani Mahama has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute members of illegal “anti-galamsey” taskforces who are extorting money from legitimate small-scale mining companies, describing their actions as criminal and unacceptable.
He made the remarks on Monday, during his.
During Thank You Tour in the Western North Region on July 15, 2025, President Mahama also condemned the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining activities in parts of the region, calling it a national emergency that endangers Ghana’s forests, rivers, and green belts.
“Our forests, rivers, and green belts are national treasures but we’re alarmed by the environmental destruction that is reported across Awaso, Dadieso and Sehwi Anwieso mainly due to illegal mining. I must be honest, this is a national emergency. The national Taskforce will continue its efforts to halt illegal mining in our forest reserves and our water bodies,” Mahama stated.
Amid his call to fight illegal mining, the president expressed concern about the rise of unauthorized groups who disguise themselves as anti-galamsey taskforces, only to extort money from legal mining firms.
“I’ve also noticed the activities of illegal anti-Galamsey taskforces that go round extorting money from legitimate small scale mining companies. I’ve requested that the authorities arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in this illegal anti-Galamsey activity,” he said.
President Mahama further announced that the government is enhancing security in the area with the establishment of a military base to tackle emerging threats.
“In addition, we’re establishing a forward operating base of the Ghana Armed Forces in Punikrom as requested by Nananom to respond swiftly to security threats and border-related crimes. Peace is a precondition for development,” he noted.
The president’s remarks underscore his renewed commitment to environmental protection, national security, and supporting law-abiding players in the small-scale mining sector.
