President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining by targeting the powerful networks behind galamsey operations.
He noted that over 114 cases involving hundreds of accused individuals are currently before various courts, while a specialised team has been established to strengthen prosecutions.
According to the President, illegal mining poses a significant threat to the environment, public health, and national security.
He explained that the prosecution of individuals engaged in illegal mining has been intensified, with a renewed focus on dismantling the organised criminal networks behind galamsey operations, rather than merely targeting the low-level offenders.
“In all this galamsey operations, there are big fish who never get caught,” Mahama stated.
During the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), he expressed that over 114 case dockets involving hundreds of accused persons are pending in various courts across the country, particularly in towns and villages prone to illegal mining activities.
He revealed that a specialised team has been employed to advance illegal mining cases, ensure the effective presentation of evidence, and pursue the confiscation of proceeds derived from illegal mining.
Source: Juliet Arhinful
