The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has disclosed that 107 foreign nationals involved in illegal mining — known locally as galamsey — and other fraudulent activities have been repatriated as part of the government’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining.
Speaking at the first Police Regional Commanders’ Conference in Accra on Friday, March 21, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on foreign involvement in illegal mining and promised swift action against offenders.
“Our first option is always to send them back to their countries, and we will not compromise on this,” he declared, warning that any foreign nationals arrested in future operations would be deported without hesitation.
In addition to tackling foreign involvement, the Minister announced stringent measures to track heavy machinery used in illegal mining operations.
“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 stated.
“If you are renting out your bulldozers or other equipment to galamsey operators while staying at home, we will track the tax records and come for you.”
He added that authorities would no longer abandon equipment seized during operations when operators fled the scene. Instead, owners would be held accountable, even if they were not directly present at the sites.
The Minister issued a stern warning to police commanders, insisting on swift action against any foreign nationals found engaging in illegal activities.
“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 cautioned.
“Such officers will be reassigned to areas where they won’t have to deal with galamsey or illegal activities.”
He urged close collaboration between police and immigration officials to ensure the immediate deportation of foreigners found in Ghana’s forests or on illegal mining sites.
Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno echoed the Minister’s sentiments, describing illegal mining as a grave threat to national security and the environment.
“Illegal mining represents a serious security risk, particularly in our forest reserves and mining communities,” the IGP declared.
“In regions like Western North, armed criminals have launched brutal attacks on innocent people, including forest guards, without provocation. This lawlessness cannot be tolerated. We are declaring war on crimes related to illegal mining, and we expect all Regional Commanders to take decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
The Minister concluded with a strong call for accountability, vowing to root out both foreign nationals and local collaborators involved in illegal mining.
“The government is committed to protecting our natural resources and ensuring that illegal activities, especially those involving foreign nationals, are curbed. We will not relent in our efforts to safeguard Ghana’s environment and security.”
