President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s environment, stressing that no mining licence has been granted for operations within the country’s forest reserves since his return to office.
Addressing journalists at his media encounter in Accra on Wednesday, September 10, the President highlighted the administration’s achievements in the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, nine forest reserves have already been reclaimed from illegal miners, allowing government to restore these vital ecosystems. He further disclosed that the “Tree for Life” initiative is currently being rolled out nationwide to rehabilitate lands degraded by galamsey.
The President also announced steps to repeal Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves. He explained that the repeal is not a sudden change of direction but rather a legal confirmation of the administration’s long-standing position.
“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 President said.
“The repeal of LI-2462 is simply to crystallize in law what we have already demonstrated in practice our commitment to protect these reserves.”
Touching on the broader issue of accountability, the President assured Ghanaians that his government is pursuing justice diligently in the recovery of looted state resources.
“What you are witnessing is not inaction. It is our steadfast adherence to due diligence, due process, and fairness,” he said.
“Yes, our insistence on doing things the right way may afford those who have looted this country some temporary relief. But let me be clear, it will not grant them permanent escape.” He warned.
