MAHAMA REVEALS 135 EXCAVATORS AND NEARLY 200 FIREARMS SEIZED AS GOVERNMENT STEPS UP GALAMSEY CRACKDOWN AND ENVIRONMENTAL RECLAMATION
President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana’s anti-galamsey operations have resulted in the seizure of more than 8,200 pieces of equipment, including 135 excavators and almost 200 firearms. He disclosed that illegal miners had penetrated 48 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves, with nine previously classified as dangerous red zones because armed operators prevented forest guards from entering. All nine red zones have now been cleared, and soldiers will remain stationed there to prevent illegal miners from returning. Mahama also said approximately 12,000 acres of land have been destroyed by illegal mining. Government has allocated GH¢200 million to reclaim 5,000 acres of degraded land and has provided GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to recruit additional Blue Water Guards and strengthen protection of Ghana’s water bodies.