President John Dramani Mahama has declared an intensified crackdown on illegal mining networks, insisting that masterminds behind galamsey operations not just low-level offenders will face prosecution.
Delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament, the President described illegal mining as a grave national threat.
“Illegal mining continues to pose a grave threat to our environment, water bodies, public health and national security,” he told the House.
He stressed that enforcement efforts must go beyond arresting small-scale operators, noting “In all these galamsey operations, there are big fish who never get caught,” President Mahama said. “We must prosecute persons engaged in the networks behind these operations rather than targeting only the little fish.”
Special Prosecutors, Equipment Confiscation
The President disclosed that hundreds of illegal mining cases are currently pending before courts, particularly in mining-prone communities. To accelerate justice delivery, he announced the deployment of specialized prosecutorial teams to fast-track cases.
“Specialised prosecutorial teams have been deployed to fast-track illegal mining cases, ensure the effective presentation of evidence, and pursue the confiscation and forfeiture of equipment and proceeds derived from illegal mining,” he stated.
He added that the Ghana Armed Forces continues to support anti-galamsey operations through river guard deployments and collaboration with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and special courts.
Women’s Development Bank and Social Protection Expansion
On gender and social protection, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equity and empowerment.
“My government will continue to ensure gender equality and equity, promote the welfare and protection of children’s rights, and empower the vulnerable, the aged and persons with disabilities for sustainable national development,” he said.
He revealed that work is far advanced on the establishment of the Women’s Development Bank, which is expected to empower Ghanaian women and women-owned businesses financially.
The Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, he noted, has honoured all legacy LEAP payment cycles for 2025 and earlier, reaching 1.5 million beneficiaries.
In addition, the Ghana School Feeding Programme has been fully implemented in over 12,000 public schools across all 261 districts nationwide. “The number of beneficiary pupils under the School Feeding Programme has increased from 3.8 million to over 4.2 million,” the President announced.
He said the programme is also providing employment for 34,000 caterers and cooks across the country.
Rising Security Threats
Addressing national security, President Mahama acknowledged evolving threats confronting the country. “Ghana faces evolving security threats. Our troops, services and agencies have remained firmly committed to strengthening national peace and security,” he said.
He referenced two recent incidents, the killing of eight Ghanaians who had travelled to a neighboring country to purchase tomatoes, and a pirate attack on Ghanaian fishermen as evidence of the growing dangers.
“These incidents reinforce the need for us to retool and adequately equip our security services,” he noted.
The President commended the Ghana Armed Forces for successfully evacuating injured compatriots from Burkina Faso and praised the Ghana Navy, Ghana Air Force and other stakeholders for rescuing 71 fishermen attacked by pirates.
“I have asked the National Security Coordinator to assist the affected fishermen and replace the stolen outboard motors and fishing gear,” he revealed.
Peacekeeping and International Role
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s continued role in global peacekeeping, noting that 2,119 Ghanaian troops were deployed to various international missions during the year.
However, he cautioned that as some UN peacekeeping missions wind down due to budget cuts, returning troops must be meaningfully engaged. “As our troops return home, we must create opportunities for them to train, remain active and stay engaged,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to international solidarity, humanitarian assistance and South-South cooperation.
The President’s remarks underscored a dual focus on strengthening internal security and environmental protection while expanding social welfare and empowering vulnerable groups as part of his administration’s broader national development agenda.
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