President John Dramani Mahama announced a GHS 400 million allocation in the 2027 Budget for land reclamation and environmental protection activities. This significant financial commitment aims to tackle the widespread environmental damage caused by illegal mining, locally known as galamsey. The reclamation exercise is scheduled to commence in 2027, marking a crucial step in Ghana's environmental recovery.
Of the total allocation, GHS 200 million will specifically target the reclamation of 5,000 acres of land severely degraded by illegal mining operations. The remaining GHS 200 million will bolster the operations of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Blue Water Guards. These funds are vital for strengthening their capacity to monitor, prevent, and respond to environmental infractions across the country.
This initiative fits into Ghana's ongoing struggle against galamsey, which has devastated vast tracts of land and polluted water bodies. The government estimates that illegal mining has degraded approximately 12,000 acres nationwide. Previous efforts include the launch of the Jimi Land Reclamation and River Watercourse Rehabilitation Project on October 14, 2026, aimed at restoring 153 hectares in the Ashanti Region. Such projects highlight the urgent need for sustained intervention and financial backing to reverse environmental damage.
President Mahama made the announcement at the Mining in Motion 2026 Summit in Accra on Monday, October 19, 2026. He acknowledged efforts by mining companies and state institutions in land restoration. For instance, Newmont has reclaimed nearly 800 acres of mined-out land, planting useful crops. The Ghana Gold Board also awarded a contract to the Ghana Armed Forces to reclaim 253 acres in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, with work currently underway.
The President also detailed measures to curb illegal mining in forest reserves. He reported that illegal miners had encroached on 48 of Ghana's 288 forest reserves. Nine of these reserves were previously designated as 'red zones' due to armed miners preventing access. All nine 'red zone' reserves have since been cleared of illegal miners and are now being prepared for reclamation. This demonstrates a concerted effort to secure critical ecological areas.
Authorities have confiscated more than 8,200 items associated with illegal mining, including 135 excavators. They also recovered nearly 200 firearms from illegal mining sites. Furthermore, 6,060 excavators have been registered and detained at ports, while 2,059 have been fitted with tracking devices. These measures aim to monitor equipment movement and prevent their use in illegal operations, enhancing enforcement capabilities.
The Ghana Gold Board is also financing small-scale artisanal mining using technology designed to reduce environmental destruction. This approach seeks to formalize and regulate the sector, promoting more responsible mining practices. Additionally, 11 cooperatives have received training in improved mining methods and are now operational, contributing to a more sustainable mining ecosystem.
President Mahama also mentioned a reforestation initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. This initiative, in partnership with the REDD+ programme, will cover several parts of the country, including the Savannah regions. These combined efforts underscore a multi-faceted approach to environmental recovery and sustainable resource management. The GHS 400 million allocation signals a significant financial commitment to these critical national priorities.
The allocation of GHS 400 million in the 2027 Budget for galamsey land reclamation and environmental protection will have significant implications. It signals a strong government commitment to environmental sustainability and public health. This funding will likely boost employment in affected communities through reclamation projects. It will also support the EPA and Blue Water Guards, enhancing their capacity to enforce environmental laws. Decision-makers and environmental advocates will closely monitor the effective deployment of these funds and the progress of reclamation efforts.