The Ghanaian government is actively preparing new legislation aimed at completely outlawing all mining activities within the nation's vital water bodies and designated forest reserves. This significant legislative push was disclosed by Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who addressed the Ghanaian community in Belgium during her visit to the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang characterized illegal mining, commonly known as 'galamsey', as a severe national crisis that continues to devastate Ghana's rivers, forests, and the livelihoods of its citizens.

The Vice President emphasized that the forthcoming law seeks to reverse existing provisions that currently permit mining in protected ecological zones. Furthermore, it will introduce more stringent measures designed to hold offenders accountable for environmental damage. She stated, "We’re working towards banning mining in water bodies. A bill is being prepared to reverse what you saw and to ensure that the people are moved out of these areas and properly placed." Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also voiced strong condemnation for the dangerous practice of abandoning mining pits uncovered, warning that such negligence poses significant environmental and safety hazards to the population.

These pronouncements align with recent statements from other high-ranking government officials. Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, previously revealed that a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) is slated for submission to Parliament. This L.I. is intended to repeal L.I. 2462, the existing regulation that currently allows for mining activities in forest reserves, thereby reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting these sensitive areas.

In a related development, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, indicated that the government is undertaking a comprehensive review of over 2,100 mining licenses. These licenses were issued between 2017 and 2024, with many reportedly granted to politically connected individuals. Quayson issued a stern warning that all individuals found guilty of engaging in illegal mining will face prosecution. He reiterated the government’s overarching objective: to meticulously restore Ghana’s polluted water bodies to their pristine, natural state.