John Dramani Mahama told Catholic bishops that young people turn to illegal mining because they cannot find jobs. The president explained that 1.5 million Ghanaians work at mining sites across the country. Many youth without skills choose mining as their only way to earn money. Mahama spoke at a Friday meeting about environmental problems. He promised that his government will keep fighting against illegal mining activities.
Legal small-scale mining belongs to Ghanaians under the law. Foreign miners cause the real trouble when they break the rules. Outside, people brought heavy machines that destroy forest land very quickly. Excavators and chanfan machines tear up huge areas quickly. These powerful tools make environmental damage much worse than before.
Illegal miners have already damaged 44 forest areas that the government protects. Ghana keeps 288 forest reserves safe under official rules. Miners leave other forests alone because those places have no gold deposits. The president said foreign involvement made the crisis much harder to solve. Heavy machinery destroys more land faster than old mining methods ever could.
Legal small-scale mining belongs to Ghanaians under the law. Foreign miners cause the real trouble when they break the rules. Outside, people brought heavy machines that destroy forest land very quickly. Excavators and chanfan machines tear up huge areas quickly. These powerful tools make environmental damage much worse than before.
Illegal miners have already damaged 44 forest areas that the government protects. Ghana keeps 288 forest reserves safe under official rules. Miners leave other forests alone because those places have no gold deposits. The president said foreign involvement made the crisis much harder to solve. Heavy machinery destroys more land faster than old mining methods ever could.
