The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey, with a robust multi-agency strategy that continues to yield results across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing today, October 10, 2025 Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Communication Director at the Ministry, outlined the latest developments in the national anti-illegal mining campaign.
She highlighted the role of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, a coordinated task force comprising various security agencies, as a key enforcement arm in the fight against galamsey.
“This week alone, our teams have been very active on the ground,” Mawuenyefia stated. “On October 9, 28 illegal miners were arrested at K3 Point.
We also seized six excavators and 65 water company machines across areas including Dajin Dumping, Ankobra, and Cape Flea Ponds.”
Additional confiscated items included chanfan machines, heavy-duty water pumps, generators, Land Cruiser vehicles, shovels, pickaxes, mobile phones, mercury, Indian hemp, and other equipment used in illegal mining operations.
Mawuenyefia emphasized that the crackdown is not just about enforcement but also about transparency and public engagement.
“We are committed to keeping Ghanaians informed and involved. Stakeholder engagement is at the top of our strategy. We’re driving education and awareness while making it clear that breaking the law comes with consequences.”
Since the inception of the campaign, nearly 1,500 arrests have been made.
The Attorney General is actively pursuing prosecutions, and a new bill was laid before Cabinet this week to establish special tribunal courts for expedited handling of illegal mining cases.
“You can bet that illegal mining will be one of the key focus areas of these specialized courts,” Mawuenyefia added. “Once Parliament resumes, we expect to see the bill laid and prosecutions accelerated.”
The Ministry reiterated its stance that illegal mining poses an existential threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and national security, and pledged to continue its aggressive and transparent approach to tackling the issue.
