President John Mahama stated that his administration has not granted any mining licenses since assuming office, emphasizing the importance of protecting Ghana’s forests. During a media interaction on September 10, he clarified that the repeal of Li 2462 aims to formalize the government’s commitment to safeguarding forest reserves. Mahama highlighted ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining through a dedicated national task force, which has seized numerous excavators and other equipment, disrupting illegal operations.
He also reported progress in reclaiming lands previously affected by illegal mining, noting that nine forest reserves have been restored to state protection. The President introduced the “tree for life” initiative to address land degradation caused by legal mining activities. He assured citizens of his commitment to public accountability and the recovery of misappropriated state resources, reinforcing that his government remains dedicated to these principles without complacency.