Ghana's Intensified Fight Against Illegal Mining: Key Gains and Future Plans

Strategic Insights -

Ghana's campaign against illicit mining, known locally as galamsey, has marked a significant milestone with the successful reclamation of nine forest reserves previously under the control of armed illegal miners. The government has reported significant progress in combating environmental degradation, with over 5,500 hectares of forest land restored. The 'Tree for Life' reforestation campaign, launched in March 2025, has seen the planting of 7.6 million seedlings, with the private sector contributing 2.3 million. The Blue Water Initiative has also been launched to combat water pollution caused by illegal mining, with 980 'Blue Water Guards' deployed to protect rivers and educate communities on environmental conservation.

Key Takeaways:

  • All nine forest reserves previously under the control of armed illegal miners have been fully reclaimed.
  • Over 5,500 hectares of forest land, equivalent to 7,500 football fields, were degraded and restored.
  • The 'Tree for Life' reforestation campaign has planted 7.6 million seedlings, with the private sector contributing 2.3 million.
  • The Blue Water Initiative has deployed 980 'Blue Water Guards' to protect rivers and educate communities.
  • 1,200 excavators have been impounded at the ports pending verification, and 191 excavators are being tracked in real-time through a pilot project.
  • The Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Software will be developed to integrate the activities of various agencies.
  • 85% of planned mining policy and legislative reforms have been completed, including the abolition of Development Agreements and the mandatory Community Development Agreements.
  • The fight against galamsey has resulted in the arrest of 1,345 suspects, with 425 excavators and hundreds of machines seized nationwide.
  • 286 individuals were arrested in operations beyond forest zones, and 279 trucks carrying illegal lumber were intercepted and fined.
  • The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) will be launched to provide sustainable options for mining communities.

Statistics:

  • 5,500 hectares of forest land were degraded and restored.
  • 7.6 million seedlings have been planted under the 'Tree for Life' reforestation campaign.
  • 2.3 million seedlings have been contributed by the private sector.
  • 980 'Blue Water Guards' have been deployed to protect rivers.
  • 1,200 excavators have been impounded at the ports pending verification.
  • 191 excavators are being tracked in real-time through a pilot project.
  • 85% of planned mining policy and legislative reforms have been completed.
  • 1,345 suspects have been arrested.
  • 425 excavators and hundreds of machines have been seized nationwide.
  • 286 individuals have been arrested in operations beyond forest zones.
  • 279 trucks carrying illegal lumber have been intercepted and fined.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, 29 July 2025
  • Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
  • Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Software
  • National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)
  • Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA)
  • Tree for Life reforestation campaign
  • Blue Water Initiative
  • Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP)