President John Dramani Mahama has firmly stated that his administration has not issued a single licence to any company to undertake mining activities in Ghana’s forest reserves since assuming office.

Speaking at a Presidential Media Encounter last night, September 9, 2025, the president emphasised that this position reflected his government’s strong commitment to protecting the country’s forest reserves from environmental degradation caused by mining.

The president also reaffirmed his government’s resolve to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which continues to pose significant threats to Ghana’s environment and water bodies.

Additionally, President Mahama disclosed that 9 forest reserves had been successfully recovered from illegal miners, and efforts were ongoing to restore and protect these ecosystems under state control.

He went on to announced that steps were being taken to repeal Legislative Instrument (LI) 2462, which had faced widespread criticism for allegedly allowing mining in forest reserves.