President Mahama Commended for Gold Smuggling Crackdown as Ashanti Region Imposes Strict Mining Ban

In a concerted effort to sanitize Ghana's extractive sector, President John Dramani Mahama has received high-level commendation for his administration's progress in curbing gold smuggling, while regional authorities in the Ashanti Region have moved to enforce a strict, indefinite ban on all mining activities in sensitive ecological zones. The dual focus on securing national revenue and protecting the environment highlights the current government’s intensified strategy against unregulated resource extraction and illicit trade at Ghana's borders. These actions represent a significant step in the Mahama administration's agenda to ensure that the nation's mineral wealth benefits the public while preserving critical natural landmarks.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Kenyasi Number Two Campus of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in the Ahafo Region, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu lauded President Mahama for achieving significant milestones in the fight against gold smuggling. Iddrisu noted that the administration’s interventions at the nation’s airports and land borders have become increasingly effective, ensuring that more of the country’s mineral wealth is accounted for and contributes to the national treasury rather than disappearing through illegal channels. The Minister emphasized that these reforms are critical for the economic stability of the country.

Complementing these national efforts, the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has enacted an indefinite ban on all mining activities within the Bosomtwe and Ahafo Ano South East districts, as well as the Juaben Municipality. This directive is specifically aimed at safeguarding critical public infrastructure and protecting Lake Bosomtwe, Ghana’s largest natural lake, from the devastating effects of 'galamsey' or illegal mining. Regional Security Coordinator, Captain (Rtd) John Jabari, confirmed that the area is now under constant surveillance and that mining in the Bosomtwe district has successfully ceased for the past several weeks, following reports that unregulated activities were threatening local farmlands and water sources.

The REGSEC is also shifting its focus toward a proactive reclamation strategy to restore lands degraded by years of unregulated activity. This new approach involves close collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Small Scale Miners Association to ensure that abandoned sites are returned to a safe and productive state. Furthermore, recent investigations by the council have dispelled rumors regarding the involvement of local officials in illegal operations, reaffirming the integrity of the enforcement process and the council's commitment to protecting the region's ecological integrity.

These developments underscore a broader national movement toward environmental sustainability and economic accountability under the Mahama presidency. As the government continues to expand educational infrastructure through institutions like UMaT, it concurrently strengthens the regulatory frameworks necessary to protect the natural resources those very students will eventually manage. The ongoing surveillance of Lake Bosomtwe and the tightening of border controls signify a robust, multifaceted commitment to preserving Ghana’s ecological heritage and securing its financial future.