The recent arrest and interception of Chafang machines at the port by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) represents a bold and highly strategic milestone in Ghana’s relentless fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
For years, galamsey has posed a serious threat to our environment,
polluting vital water bodies such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Birim rivers, degrading fertile farmlands, and destroying forest reserves that sustain livelihoods and biodiversity. One of the key drivers of this destruction has been the importation and deployment of sophisticated mining equipment, including Chafang machines, which accelerate environmental damage on a massive scale.
By intercepting these machines at the port before they could reach illegal mining sites, the EPA has demonstrated foresight, intelligence-led enforcement, and proactive governance. This is not merely an arrest; it is a strategic disruption of the supply chain that fuels environmental destruction.
Preventing these machines from entering circulation significantly weakens the operational capacity of illegal miners.
This decisive action reflects strong leadership at the helm of the EPA. The Chief Executive Officer, Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse, deserves commendation for prioritizing preventive enforcement rather than waiting for irreversible damage to occur. Under such leadership, the Authority is not only enforcing regulations but also sending a powerful national message: Ghana’s natural resources are not for reckless exploitation.
Moreover, this intervention strengthens public trust in regulatory institutions. It assures citizens that environmental protection is being treated as a national security and developmental priority. Clean water, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable land use are fundamental to public health, agriculture, tourism, and future economic stability.
7 The fight against galamsey requires coordination, courage, and consistency. The EPA’s action at the port proves that strategic enforcement, when backed by political will and administrative commitment, can produce real and measurable results.
As a nation, the Gallant Cadres of NDC believes we must rally behind institutions like the EPA and support their efforts. Protecting our environment today guarantees prosperity for generations tomorrow.
Since assuming office in January 2025, H.E. President John Dramani Mahama has made it clear that the fight against *galamsey* — illegal small-scale mining — is not merely an environmental issue, but a *national emergency* His government’s new *multi-faceted anti-galamsey strategy* addresses the menace from every angle: *enforcement, regulation, environmental restoration, and livelihood development.*
The goal is not only to end illegal mining but also to create *sustainable, legal, and dignified livelihoods* for affected communities.
. Enforcement and Operations National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)
Launched in *June 2025* NAIMOS serves as the central coordinating body leading the national response against illegal mining.
It works directly with *security agencies*, *local assemblies*, and *community watchdogs* to harmonize and intensify actions on the ground.
Blue Water Guards Through a partnership between the *Ghana Navy* and the *Minerals Commission*. the *Blue Water Guards* have been established to protect rivers, streams, and forest reserves from mining pollution.
These trained community vanguards patrol water bodies, confiscating equipment such as *excavators* and *changfang* machines used for illegal operations.
*Tracking of Excavators* Under the new *“No Permit, No Excavator”* policy, all excavators imported into Ghana must be *licensed and fitted with GPS tracking devices*.
This system allows authorities to monitor their movement and use, preventing diversion to unauthorized mining sites.
GoldBod Task Force Oversight Operating under the *Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)*, the *GoldBod Task Force* enforces mining regulations with strict accountability measures:
* All officers wear *body cameras* during field operations.
* All operational vehicles are *GPS-tracked** and monitored in real time.
These innovations ensure transparency and eliminate misconduct during enforcement.
*2. Regulation and Formalization*
*Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)* The *Ghana Gold Board* is a newly established state agency tasked with formalizing gold trading and eliminating gold smuggling.
It is introducing a *Revolving Fund* to buy gold directly from *licensed small-scale miners*, ensuring a fair, legal, and transparent market for their produce.
*Gold Traceability System* A *Track-and-Trace* system, to be rolled out by *early 2026*, will ensure that every gram of gold sold to the Board can be traced to its legitimate source.
This system aligns Ghana’s gold sector with *London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)* standards, strengthening international confidence in the country’s exports.
*Regulatory Reforms*
The *Minerals and Mining Act* is being amended to impose stricter penalties on illegal mining.
A new *Legislative Instrument (L.I.)* submitted to Parliament in *October 2025 seeks to ban all mining in forest reserves, revoking the controversial 2022 L.I. 2462*, which had permitted such activities.
Meanwhile, government is promoting the *Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme* to help small-scale miners operate legally and responsibly.
*3. Social and Environmental Measures*
*National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAELP)* Through NAELP, affected miners and communities are being supported with *sustainable livelihood options* — including *agriculture, aquaculture, eco-tourism, and vocational training*— to reduce dependence on illegal mining.
*Reclamation of Degraded Lands*
A nationwide *reclamation project* has begun to restore thousands of hectares of land and forest reserves destroyed by galamsey.
This initiative aims to *revive ecosystems, improve soil health, and protect watersheds* essential for agriculture and biodiversity.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Government efforts are reinforced by traditional authorities*, local assemblies, civil society organizations, and community leaders through extensive public education campaigns.
These campaigns promote *patriotism, shared responsibility, and environmental stewardship*, urging every Ghanaian to help protect the nation’s natural heritage.
For more details you can reach the ExecutiveSecretary on their numbers below:
Comrade Richard E A Sarpong, Father Casford. The PRO, 0208573712
Ohemaa Akosua Borngreat, Deputy PRO, 0243179445
Mr F Kadan, Secretary, 0242276044
Mr Eric Nana Takyi, Deputy Secretary, 0546572070
Mr Lawrence Odoom, Vice Chair, 0272626466
Attachedpicture: Mr Sarpomg a spokesman of the Movement.
