All mining leases granted for operations in forest reserves during the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration would be revoked, according to President John Dramani Mahama.
The government claims that the action is a part of continuous efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources and stop additional environmental damage brought on by illicit and unsustainable mining operations.
Mahama stated that the government will move immediately to guarantee that mining operations in these vulnerable locations are stopped and that the appropriate legal procedures are taken against those responsible during the swearing-in ceremony of 14 Ministers of State on Thursday, January 30.
“Honourable Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, you will be charged with the duty of safeguarding the environment from marauding galamsey and managing our natural resources effectively.
“Let me take this opportunity to state that it shall be the policy of this government to ban the issuance of leases for mining in all forest reserves. We shall also move promptly to revoke all leases issued for the same purpose under the previous government.”
