Gov’t seizes 8,200 items in galamsey fight, including 135 excavators – Mahama

President John Mahama announced on Monday that his government has seized 8,200 items utilized in illegal mining, also referred to as galamsey, throughout Ghana. At the Mining in Motion conference in Accra, Mahama disclosed that among the confiscated items were 135 excavators and over 200 firearms. "We have made progress in the battle against illegal mining.

We have confiscated more than 8,200 items, including Chan-fan machines, excavators, and other equipment used in unlawful mining," the president stated. "We have recovered 135 excavators that were used in illegal mining, and we have seized nearly 200 firearms held by individuals involved in illegal mining," Mahama disclosed at the event aimed at discussing the nation's extractive sector.

The president emphasized the magnitude of the operation, highlighting the large quantity of equipment and weapons recovered. "I commend the efforts of all those involved in the fight against illegal mining and those involved in the fight against environmental destruction," Mahama added.

Illegal mining continues to pose a significant threat to Ghana due to its detrimental effects on water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands. Mahama's government has been striving to address this critical issue by targeting and seizing the tools and weapons employed in these illegal activities.