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Ablakwa Announces Stricter Visa Regulations to Block Illegal Mining Nationals

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced stricter visa requirements aimed at preventing the entry of foreign nationals intending to participate in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey). The announcement follows his recent diplomatic talks in China, where the focus was on stemming the flow of would-be galamsey operators from regions such as Nanning. 1. Why the New Visa Rules? Officials warn that some visas are being exploited by foreign nationals looking to engage in illegal mining. The new procedures will screen applicants more closely for intended engagement in galamsey, especially in regions known for sending illegal miners to Ghana. 2. Diplomatic Push in China During a June 14 meeting with Nanning city officials—including the Vice Mayor—Ablakwa described discussions as "frank and positive." He emphasized that the Mahama administration will not tolerate illegal mining whether by locals or foreigners, and […]

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Ghana to Implement Excavator Import Permit System to Curb Illegal Mining

In a significant policy shift, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will introduce a permit system for the importation of excavators. This move is part of broader efforts to combat illegal mining activities, commonly known as 'galamsey', which have led to widespread environmental degradation across the country. The Rationale Behind the Permit System Speaking at the Mining in Motion Conference in Accra, President Mahama highlighted the alarming proliferation of excavators in Ghana, stating that the country currently possesses more excavators than the rest of Africa combined. He emphasized that this unchecked influx of heavy machinery has been a major contributor to the escalating illegal mining crisis. The new policy, dubbed "No Permit, No Excavator," mandates that all excavator imports must be accompanied by an official permit. This measure aims to ensure that only authorized entities engage in mining […]

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MCE Orders Mining Company to Unblock Birim River Within 5 Days

In a decisive move to address environmental degradation, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Kwaebibirem, Hon. Kofi Nti, has issued a five-day ultimatum to a mining company to unblock the Birim River. The directive comes in response to the obstruction of the river's flow, attributed to illegal mining activities in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Background The Birim River, a vital water source for numerous communities, has suffered significant pollution and blockage due to unauthorized mining operations. Recent reports indicate that illegal miners operating around Kade have heavily polluted and obstructed the river, posing serious risks to local ecosystems and livelihoods. Community and Environmental Implications The obstruction of the Birim River has far-reaching consequences, including the disruption of water supply for domestic and agricultural use, loss of aquatic biodiversity, and increased health risks due to water contamination. The MCE's directive […]

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Traoré’s Footsteps: Ghana Tells Foreign Miners to Leave

In a bold move echoing the policies of Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré, Ghana has announced a significant shift in its mining sector. Effective May 1, 2025, the Ghanaian government will prohibit foreigners from trading or purchasing artisanally mined gold within the country. This decision marks a pivotal step in Ghana's ongoing battle against illegal mining activities, commonly referred to as "galamsey," and aims to reclaim control over its valuable natural resources. Ghana's New Mining Policy The newly established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) will replace the previous licensing agency, the Precious Minerals Marketing Co. Under the new law signed by President John Dramani Mahama on April 2, only GoldBod will be authorized to buy, sell, assay, and export gold produced by licensed small-scale miners. Non-compliance with this regulation will result in criminal charges. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson emphasized […]

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Suspects arrested for vehicle theft, gold robbery and galamsey in Western region 

The Western Central Regional Police Command is intensifying its fight against crime, recording three major arrests in April 2025 in connection with vehicle theft, gold robbery, and illegal mining activities across the Western Region. In Tarkwa, one Salifu Gariba was arrested for the theft of a Toyota Land Cruiser (PC), registration number GS 1845-23, belonging to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The vehicle was stolen from the residence of an EPA employee in Budo City in the early hours of 15 April. The suspect was intercepted the following day by officers of the Northern Regional Police Command at Kukobila, along the Tamale–Bolgatanga highway. The vehicle was successfully retrieved. Gariba is currently in police custody as investigations continue. In a separate incident, three suspects linked to a gold robbery in Wassa Afransie were arrested through an intelligence-led operation. The suspects—Felix Adjei, […]

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Military destroys hidden galamsey settlement of over 10,000 residents

Abrewa Ne Nkran: A Hidden Community Linked to Illegal Mining and Criminal Activities Abrewa Ne Nkran is an unregistered settlement in Ghana, reportedly formed by both Ghanaian citizens and foreign nationals engaged in illegal gold mining—commonly known as galamsey—within protected forest reserves. The community lacks basic social infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, clean water, and proper housing, and it does not appear in any official national documentation or planning records. Investigations by Bossu News reveal that the area is not only notorious for unlawful mining activities but is also associated with a range of serious criminal offenses, including human trafficking, child abuse, prostitution, and money laundering. These illicit operations thrive in the absence of law enforcement oversight, allowing criminal networks to operate with impunity. A significant portion of the population in Abrewa Ne Nkran is believed to be made […]

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