AGP Executive Report

Galamsey: Awula Serwah has warned Ghana risks an ecological catastrophe unless government takes a clear stand against illegal mining. The dispute over GoldBod’s plans to formalise eligible miners continues, as critics demand stronger safeguards and accountability. Enforcement: NAIMOS is targeting the mining equipment supply chain. In an Eshaem operation, it seized 22 new chanfang machines and destroyed dozens of machines and pumps at illegal sites. Plastic Waste: The EPA says enforcement of Ghana’s Styrofoam ban starts January 1, 2027, urging vendors and consumers to switch to reusable or less harmful packaging. Climate Resilience: The North-East Region is promoting solar-powered water systems and dry-season farming as climate change makes rivers less reliable. A new solar water facility in Sawaba serves about 650 people and has cut water-collection trips from 90 minutes to five. Forest Restoration: MIIF and the Forestry Commission have partnered to reforest Subri Forest Reserve. Separately, President Mahama says nearly 800 of 12,000 acres of land damaged by galamsey have been reclaimed.

Plastic Pollution: The EPA is making Tamale a hub for its styrofoam-ban campaign across northern Ghana, ahead of the January 2027 deadline. Traders are urging a return to traditional leaf packaging. Mining and Forests: GoldBod’s plan to formalise eligible small-scale miners has prompted calls for clarity that mining still requires a licence, amid concerns over polluted water, damaged forests and lost farmland. President Mahama says nearly 800 of 12,000 acres damaged by illegal mining have been reclaimed; GoldBod says it will support miners to adopt cleaner methods. Climate Resilience: The North-East Region is promoting solar-powered water systems and dry-season farming as rivers dry up. In Sawaba, a new solar water system has shortened water-collection trips and helped lessons start earlier. Forest Restoration: MIIF and the Forestry Commission are partnering to reforest the Subri Forest Reserve.

Mining and Environmental Oversight: GoldBod’s plan to formalise eligible small-scale miners remains contentious: critics say unlicensed operations cannot be treated as legal, while the Board says miners must obtain authorisations and meet environmental rules. Separately, Ghana Gas warns illegal miners digging beneath pipelines in Western and Ashanti regions could damage infrastructure and disrupt power supply. Lithium Development: Huayou has taken over rights in the Ewoyaa project and will fund a further US$66 million in development costs, advancing Ghana’s first proposed lithium mine. Climate-Smart Farming: Abrewankor M/A Basic School won UESD’s gardening challenge, which promotes organic school gardens, food security and climate-smart agriculture. Plastic Waste: The EPA is taking its Styrofoam-ban campaign to five northern regions ahead of the January 2027 deadline; leaf traders are urging a return to traditional alternatives.

Mining and land: GoldBod says it is financing cleaner technologies for small-scale miners and helping eligible operators move into regulated mining. But critics warn formalisation must not weaken enforcement against galamsey. Mahama has earmarked GH¢200 million for anti-mining operations in 2027; nearly 800 of 12,000 acres damaged by illegal mining have been reclaimed. Cocoa and forests: A new service centre in Ahafo will train farmers in climate-resilient cocoa production and forest protection. Waste: The EPA is taking its Styrofoam ban campaign to five northern regions ahead of the January 2027 deadline, while leaf traders call for a return to traditional packaging. Marine life: Fishermen who caught a whale shark at sea took the animal home after struggling to decide what to do, raising concern about how unusual wildlife encounters are handled.

Galamsey Rules: GoldBod says it wants to bring eligible unlicensed miners into a regulated system, not excuse illegal mining. But the EPA’s deputy chief says a licence alone is not enough: operators also need environmental permits and must meet other requirements. Forests, water bodies and other restricted “red zones” remain off-limits. Enforcement: President Mahama has earmarked GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget for NAIMOS and the Blue Water Guards to strengthen action against illegal mining and protect rivers. Land Recovery: Mahama says nearly 800 acres of galamsey-damaged land have been reclaimed out of 12,000 acres targeted. Food Safety: A study reported toxic metals from illegal mining in vegetables grown in mining districts, raising concerns about contamination of food and farmland.

Galamsey Response: The Minority is demanding a state of emergency over illegal mining, while GoldBod says it is consulting on a programme to bring eligible small-scale miners into regulated operations. President Mahama has earmarked GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget for anti-mining operations and river protection, alongside a reforestation initiative. Land and Water: Mahama says nearly 800 of 12,000 acres damaged by galamsey have been reclaimed. The wider damage remains stark: a study reports toxic metals from illegal mining in vegetables in mining districts. Forests and Farming: Experts are urging urgent protection of Cape Three Points forest, while calls are growing to safeguard cocoa-growing land and rehabilitate mined areas to protect food security.

Waste-to-Learning: Ghanaian schools could turn plastic and e-waste into hands-on STEM lessons. A Koforidua 10-year-old has already used coding and animation to teach recycling, while a schools project rewards plastic recovery. Cocoa and Galamsey: A new law reportedly protects cocoa farms and restricts mining nearby, but enforcement will be crucial to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods and ecosystems. Mining Rules: Conservation groups want GoldBod’s CEO to retract remarks they say could excuse unlicensed mining; small-scale miners argue his call was to formalise eligible operators. Climate-Resilient Farming: A new rural service centre in Ahafo will offer cocoa farmers training and farm support aimed at improving resilience and protecting forests. Water Security: Ghana Water Ltd has warned it is uncertain it can close the supply gap, with pollution, including from illegal mining, adding pressure on water sources.

Climate Adaptation: A new Accra workshop is testing global adaptation measures in Ghana, with UNU-INRA’s Dr Richard Munang urging action that improves people’s lives and livelihoods. Water Security: Ghana Water Ltd says it cannot be sure it can close the widening gap between water demand and supply, as pollution, ageing infrastructure and rapid urban growth strain services. Clean Air: Ayawaso North and Infinity970 are educating residents on pollution from open burning, traffic, dust and cooking smoke, while promoting safer practices. Climate Finance: Consolidated Bank Ghana says limited funding holds back nature-based solutions and is calling for grants, guarantees and stronger partnerships. Mining and Restoration: GoldBod says eligible small-scale miners may be formalised, but not those operating in water bodies, forest reserves or other prohibited areas. Separately, NAIMOS reports destroying 1,970 mining machines and 863 illegal structures, while the Asantehene has launched a 153-hectare land reclamation project. Climate-Resilient Health: Ghanaian MP Mark Kurt Nawaane has called for preventive investment in healthcare, warning that floods and droughts are already disrupting access to essential services.

Forest Protection: NAIMOS says it will launch Operation Green Shield at Atewa Forest Reserve in two weeks, clearing illegal mining hotspots before handing protection to the Forestry Commission. The task force also reports 1,970 changfans and 863 mining structures destroyed nationwide between June and September. Mining Pollution: A study has found toxic metals from galamsey in vegetables grown in mining districts, raising fresh concerns about risks to food and health. Land Restoration: President Mahama says GH¢400 million will be allocated in the 2027 budget to reclaim lands damaged by illegal mining. Climate-Smart Farming: COCOBOD has distributed 2.8 million cocoa seedlings and shade trees to farmers in Techiman South, where heat and erratic rainfall are hurting yields. Global Climate: The UN says emissions must fall 18% by 2030 from 2025 levels to limit how far warming overshoots 1.5°C.

Illegal Mining: NAIMOS says it destroyed 1,970 changfans and 863 makeshift structures between June and September, while seizing firearms and mining equipment in operations across eight regions. Pollution and Public Health: A study finding toxic metals from galamsey in vegetables across mining districts underscores the risks beyond damaged rivers and land. Land Restoration: President Mahama says GH¢400 million will be allocated in the 2027 Budget to reclaim galamsey-damaged lands. Damang Gold Mine, meanwhile, says crops grown on 140 acres of rehabilitated land will support jobs and community projects. Clean Energy: Ghana is procuring a 200MW battery storage system alongside a 200MWp solar facility to strengthen electricity supply and integrate renewables. Local Farming Innovation: Students at Dabokpa Technical Institute have built a low-cost mini tractor for smallholder farmers, with an electric version in development.

Galamsey and Food Safety: A study has found toxic metals in vegetables from mining districts, raising fresh concerns about how illegal mining may affect food and public health. River Protection: Government plans permanent military camps along rivers to intensify the galamsey fight, as pressure mounts to protect waterways from mining damage. Cement Safeguards: Youth advocates want public updates on environmental and social commitments for a low-carbon cement project, including a quarry in the Volta Region. Land Restoration: An Ashanti Green Initiative project aims to reclaim 153 hectares of land and river damaged by galamsey. Forest Conservation: Cocoa farmer Susana Afrifa Ankrah is among community members protecting Atewa forest, where conservation supports local livelihoods and climate resilience.

Galamsey and Food Safety: A review of 45 studies found toxic metals from illegal mining in vegetables grown near affected sites, with some samples exceeding international safety limits. Mining Safeguards: Youth climate advocates are pressing for public updates on environmental and social commitments for a low-carbon cement project in Tema and a clay quarry in Togorme. Restoration and Waste: Ashanti Green Initiative has launched a 153-hectare project to restore mining-damaged land and river areas, while the government has allocated GH¢200 million to reclaim degraded land. Ghana has also signed a $350 million deal to explore waste-to-energy solutions. Water and Climate: Activista Ghana is calling for the Nyohani Dam’s rehabilitation to support water access, livestock and dry-season farming in Tamale. Meanwhile, a record heat storm covered nearly 85% of the planet, and heavy rains during a critical cocoa-growing period have hit Ghana’s yields.

Galamsey Enforcement: Environment Minister Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has called for environmental fast-track courts, warning that mercury and cyanide used in illegal mining threaten public health, water and food security. Cocoa Under Climate Pressure: New research links heavy rain during cocoa flowering and early pod development to lower yields. COCOBOD is distributing millions of seedlings and shade trees as farmers face erratic rainfall and heat. Restoring Damaged Land: Government plans to allocate GH¢400 million in the 2027 Budget to reclaim galamsey-damaged land, with a target of 5,000 acres; an Ashanti initiative is also restoring 153 hectares. Cleaner Energy: Ghana has signed a $350 million deal to explore waste-to-energy, while toxic smoke from e-waste burning at Agbogbloshie continues to harm workers. Climate-Ready Crops: Researchers are urging development of drought- and heat-resistant banana varieties to protect yields and smallholder livelihoods.

Land Restoration: The Ashanti Green Initiative has launched a 153-hectare project to reclaim galamsey-damaged land and rehabilitate the Jimi River, an important water source. Mahama has also pledged GH¢400 million in 2027 for reclaiming degraded land. Mining Reform: GoldBod plans to finance and formalise small-scale miners from 2027, saying support must help miners operate legally and reduce environmental damage. Atewa Forest: A new commentary questions why international certification should be needed to protect Atewa, whose rivers supply millions of people. Waste and Pollution: Ghana has signed a $350 million waste-to-energy deal, while a report warns toxic smoke from e-waste burning at Agbogbloshie continues to harm workers. Marine Protection: Ghana and Nigeria are seeking closer cooperation on sustainable fisheries and tackling illegal fishing as Ghana reviews fish-weighing systems at Tema Harbour.

Land Reclamation: President Mahama has pledged GH¢200 million to restore 5,000 acres damaged by mining, as he disclosed that illegal mining has degraded about 12,000 acres; Newmont has reclaimed 800 acres for farming. Waste-to-Energy: Ghana has signed a $350 million partnership with Ghanergy to explore turning waste into power. A proposed Greater Accra facility could generate about 80 megawatts and reduce landfill pressure, if delivered. Toxic Pollution: Smoke from burning e-waste at Agbogbloshie continues to expose workers to harmful chemicals, renewing calls for safer recycling and stronger protections. Forest Protection: Forestry Commission operations in the Western Region have destroyed 1,103 changfan machines and 1,420 pumps used by illegal miners, with 159 suspected miners arrested between January and September.

Galamsey Recovery: Mahama says GH¢400 million will be allocated in the 2027 Budget for reclamation and environmental protection, including restoring 5,000 acres damaged by illegal mining and funding the EPA and Blue Water Guards. Coastal Protection: The National Fisheries Association wants an offshore gold exploration licence cancelled, warning mining could damage marine habitats and threaten fishing livelihoods. Water and Communities: A report from Keta describes how salt-mining operations have altered the lagoon and contributed to declining fish populations. Flood Resilience: A new USTED workshop is training educators to include sustainable drainage in construction courses, as urban growth, blocked drains and intense rainfall worsen flood risks. Nature Watch: Ghanaian researchers are investigating reports that fireflies and antlions are becoming harder to find, with pesticide use among possible causes. Climate Action: Ghana’s EPA chief has urged young people to help shape climate priorities and build resilient communities.