President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to allocate GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to support land reclamation, environmental protection and efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, in Ghana.
Speaking at the opening of the Mining in Motion 2026 Summit in Accra on Monday, October 19, 2026, the President said GH¢200 million would be dedicated to reclaiming 5,000 acres of land destroyed by illegal mining, while the remaining GH¢200 million would support the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Blue Water Guards.
The reclamation programme is expected to begin in 2027 as the government intensifies efforts to restore degraded lands, protect water bodies and promote sustainable mining practices.
Government Targets 5,000 Acres of Galamsey-Damaged Land
President Mahama disclosed that illegal mining has caused extensive environmental damage across the country, with an estimated 12,000 acres of land affected.
The planned reclamation initiative forms part of broader measures to reverse the environmental destruction caused by galamsey and restore affected communities.
On October 14, 2026, the government, in collaboration with the Asantehene, launched the Jimi Land Reclamation and River Watercourse Rehabilitation Project. The initiative aims to restore 153 hectares of degraded land upstream of the Jimi Dam in the Ashanti Region.
The President also cited Newmont’s reclamation of nearly 800 acres of mined-out land, where useful crops have been planted as part of restoration efforts.
Additionally, the Ghana Gold Board has awarded the Ghana Armed Forces a contract to reclaim 253 acres of degraded land in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, with work currently underway.
Galamsey Crackdown Intensifies in Forest Reserves
The President revealed that illegal miners had encroached on 48 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves, raising concerns about deforestation, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
He noted that nine of the affected reserves had previously been classified as red zones because armed illegal miners prevented forest guards from accessing the areas.
According to Mahama, all nine reserves have since been cleared of illegal mining activities and are being prepared for land reclamation.
Authorities have also confiscated more than 8,200 items linked to illegal mining, including 135 excavators, and recovered nearly 200 firearms.
To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, 6,060 excavators have been registered and detained at the ports, while 2,059 have been fitted with tracking devices to monitor their movements and use.
Government Promotes Responsible Small-Scale Mining
President Mahama said the government was also supporting more environmentally responsible mining methods to reduce the damage caused by artisanal and small-scale mining.
He disclosed that 11 mining cooperatives had received training in improved mining techniques and were already operating.
The Ghana Gold Board is also financing small-scale artisanal mining activities using technology designed to limit environmental destruction and encourage responsible mineral extraction.
These interventions are intended to support livelihoods while strengthening efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Ghana’s natural resources.
New Reforestation Programme to Support Environmental Recovery
The President further announced a reforestation initiative being implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the REDD+ programme.
The initiative is expected to cover several parts of Ghana, including the Savannah regions, as part of efforts to restore forest cover, protect ecosystems and promote long-term environmental sustainability.
The proposed GH¢400 million allocation signals the government’s intention to combine law enforcement, land restoration, forest protection and improved mining practices in addressing the effects of galamsey.
Source: newsthemegh.com