The John Mahama-led administration has reintroduced its controversial anti-galamsey policy, which sees Ghanaian citizens jailed and foreign nationals deported for engaging in illegal mining operations.
The policy, originally implemented in 2013 during Mahama’s first term, has seen renewed action with the deportation of 107 foreigners recently arrested for their involvement in illegal mining activities.
Interior Minister confirms deportation-first approach
Interior Minister, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak, announced the government’s firm stance at a press briefing, stating that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration has no interest in prosecuting foreigners caught engaging in galamsey and other fraudulent activities.
Instead, a new policy is being implemented to deport such individuals immediately upon arrest.
“We are not going to spend state resources prosecuting foreigners who violate our laws through galamsey and scamming,” the Minister said. “They will be deported to serve as a deterrent.”
Echoes of the 2013 repatriation drive
This latest move mirrors the government’s 2013 crackdown when over 5,000 Chinese nationals were deported under a voluntary repatriation programme between May and June of that year.
Alhaji Mubarak emphasized that this policy shift is part of a broader plan to curb environmental destruction caused by illegal mining and reduce foreign interference in criminal activities within Ghana.
Fraudsters also targeted
The Interior Minister further clarified that the policy does not apply solely to illegal mining.
Foreign nationals arrested for engaging in internet fraud and other scams will also face immediate deportation.
“This is about protecting the integrity of our economy and our land,” Alhaji Mubarak said. “We are not only tackling illegal mining but also cybercrime and other forms of fraud perpetrated by foreign nationals.”
AG to guide legal framework
Alhaji Mubarak noted that the Ministry of the Interior is working closely with the Attorney-General’s Department to finalize the legal framework supporting this policy shift.
“Engagements are far advanced with the Attorney-General to provide the necessary legal backing for these deportations, ensuring the policy is implemented within the boundaries of the law,” he added.
A clear message to offenders
The government’s renewed stance sends a clear message: illegal mining and fraud—especially by foreign nationals—will not be tolerated.
The policy is part of a larger effort to restore order and enforce the rule of law across all sectors, while also addressing the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.
As the Mahama administration intensifies its efforts, observers expect further actions in the coming months as the state seeks to reclaim lands and clamp down on criminal networks threatening the country’s resources.
