President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive prohibiting government officials from engaging in any form of mining—whether legal or illegal—with immediate effect.
He emphasized that any official who wishes to enter the mining industry must first resign from their government position.
This directive aligns with President Mahama’s broader environmental agenda, which includes revoking mining leases in forest reserves and halting the issuance of new ones in these protected areas.
Speaking at the launch of the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality on Friday, March 21, 2025, Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to environmental protection.
“I have directed that no government appointee at any level should engage in any form of legal or illegal mining. If you want to be a miner, leave the government and go and be a miner,” he declared.
He warned that any official found violating this directive would face immediate and severe consequences, including dismissal from office.
Additionally, President Mahama instructed security and regulatory agencies to intensify their efforts in combating illegal mining. He cited recent successes in reclaiming forest reserves previously devastated by mining activities.
Describing illegal mining as a national crisis, he highlighted its far-reaching consequences on the economy, public health, and livelihoods.
