President John Dramani Mahama says his government is formalizing Ghana’s gold trade to maximize national benefits and ensure greater transparency in the extractive sector.
Speaking at a media encounter at the Jubilee House, the President announced that, effective immediately, gold trading has been reserved exclusively for Ghanaians.
“This strategic move will help maximize national benefits, enhance transparency, and ensure that the wealth generated from our natural resources is reinvested in our communities and national development,” Mahama explained.
Crackdown on Illegal Mining
Mahama said a dedicated national task force was in place to combat the menace of illegal mining, which has long threatened Ghana’s environment and communities.
“As a result of the operations, hundreds of excavators, water pumps, and other heavy equipment have been seized, disrupting the networks that have exploited our lands and rivers,” he revealed.
Beyond enforcement, the government has intensified reclamation efforts.
According to the President, nine forest reserves have already been recovered from illegal miners and placed back under state protection.
The government’s Tree for Life initiative is also being rolled out nationwide to restore lands degraded by mining.
Ending Mining in Forest Reserves
Mahama reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting forest reserves, noting that no mining license has been issued for forest reserves since his return to office.
He disclosed that steps were underway to repeal LI-2462, which currently permits mining in forest reserves.
“Let me be clear: since my administration resumed office, not a single license has been issued to any company to mine in our forest reserves.
The repeal of LI-2462 will simply crystallize in law what we have already demonstrated in practice—our commitment to protect these reserves,” he stressed.
