The Interior Minister of Ghana, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, has ordered the immediate repatriation of all foreigners arrested for engaging in illegal mining, a key step in the government’s ongoing fight against illegal small-scale mining, known as “galamsey.”
This directive, announced during the first Police Regional Commanders’ Conference in Accra, highlights the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and protecting the country’s natural resources.
Illegal mining has been a long-standing issue in Ghana, worsened by the involvement of foreign nationals who operate mining sites without following the country’s laws.
This has led to significant environmental damage, the destruction of forest reserves, and pollution of water bodies.
In response, the government has imposed a temporary ban on the Community Mining Scheme and revoked mining licenses issued after the December 2024 elections.
Since taking office, Mr. Mubarak has overseen the repatriation of over 100 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining.
He reaffirmed the government’s firm stance that illegal miners, especially foreigners, will not be tolerated, and any foreigner caught in illegal mining activities will be deported.
“I have written to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that from now on, any equipment found at galamsey sites or in forests must have its tax details traced to the owners,” he said.
This directive goes beyond deportation, instructing authorities to investigate the owners of heavy machinery, like bulldozers, used in illegal mining operations.
The government intends to track tax records and hold the owners accountable.
Mr. Mubarak also warned that police officers who fail to act on these instructions will face consequences.
“I have written to the IGP, and I insist that if any commander fails to forward arrested foreigners for repatriation, it will mean they do not want to be part of this regime,” he added.
The Interior Minister’s directive aligns with the broader government effort to fight illegal mining, which has serious implications for law enforcement across the country.
Inspector General of Police Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno has fully backed the government’s stance.
He called illegal mining a grave security threat, not just to the environment, but to public safety as well.
Mr. Yohuno highlighted that in regions like Western North, armed criminals have attacked local communities, including forest guards, further fueling the lawlessness around illegal mining.
“Illegal mining represents a serious security risk, particularly in our forest reserves and mining communities. We must focus on existential threats that demand immediate action to ensure public safety. This lawlessness cannot be tolerated.” he said.
The government’s tough stance on illegal mining includes measures like the repatriation of foreign nationals and legal action against those renting equipment to illegal miners.
By coordinating with the Ghana Police Service, the government is sending a strong message that illegal mining will be met with swift action.
Regional police commanders are now under pressure to ensure that these directives are carried out, and failure to comply could lead to reassignment, as warned by Mr. Mubarak.
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