Government Deploys 24 Vehicles, 250 Motorbikes to Five Agencies in Major Anti-Galamsey Push

October 8, 2025 

The Ghanaian government has delivered 24 vehicles and 250 motorbikes to five key environmental and natural resource agencies as part of an intensified campaign against illegal mining activities that continue to devastate the nation's water bodies and forest reserves.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Services Division, Minerals Commission, Water Resources Commission, and Ghana Geological Survey Authority received the equipment at a handover ceremony in Accra on Tuesday, marking a significant boost to their operational capacity in the fight against galamsey.

Presidential Commitment to Environmental Protection

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah Kofi Buah, emphasized that the logistics distribution reflects President John Dramani Mahama's determination to protect Ghana's natural heritage. "Government is putting its money where it matters most," Mr. Buah declared. "Protecting our water bodies and forest reserves requires mobility and logistical support. These vehicles and motorbikes are a critical part of a larger strategic effort to ensure our enforcement teams can access even the most remote areas."

The Minister explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen institutional capacity and enable coordinated action across agencies stationed in forest and riverine zones most affected by illegal mining operations.

Enhanced Mobility for Enforcement Teams

EPA Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse, welcomed the equipment as a game-changer for field operations. "I can't overemphasize how important these vehicles are," she said. "This is a clear show of commitment from the government. However, we acknowledge that it is not enough—we will continue to seek additional logistics to ensure a sustainable and effective fight."

Prof. Klutse revealed that President Mahama personally directed the expedited procurement of the vehicles to support the anti-galamsey campaign. The 24 Land Cruiser troopers and 250 motorbikes will supplement existing resources, significantly improving the agencies' ability to conduct field monitoring, coordinate operations, and respond rapidly to illegal mining activities.

The equipment will be distributed among the partner agencies, each taking full ownership and responsibility for maintenance and deployment.

Call for Corporate Sector Support

While acknowledging the government's investment, Prof. Klutse issued a call to action for Ghana's private sector. "We are calling on corporate Ghana to support the national effort," she stated, emphasizing that combating illegal mining requires a multi-stakeholder approach beyond government resources alone.

Supporting Critical Task Forces

The new logistics will reinforce operations by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force and the Blue Water Guards, specialized units operating across critical water catchment areas and forest reserves. These teams face significant challenges accessing remote mining sites, making the enhanced mobility crucial to their effectiveness.

Broader Strategy Against Environmental Degradation

The vehicle distribution forms part of a comprehensive government strategy combining improved inter-agency coordination, technological support, and sustained community engagement to combat illegal mining. Galamsey operations have caused extensive environmental damage across Ghana, polluting rivers, destroying farmlands, and degrading forest ecosystems.

The renewed investment signals the Mahama administration's resolve to address one of Ghana's most pressing environmental challenges through decisive action and institutional strengthening.

The five beneficiary agencies are expected to immediately deploy the equipment to high-risk areas, with the EPA coordinating the inter-agency collaboration that secured the procurement.