Liberia and Ghana intensify crackdowns on illegal mining

West African nations Liberia and Ghana are intensifying efforts to combat illegal mining operations that threaten natural resources, infrastructure, and the environment.

In Liberia, Col. Abraham Kromah, Chairman of the National Taskforce to Combat Illicit Mining Activities, reported that approximately 485 excavators are operating in Grand Kru County in connection with large-scale illicit mining. The taskforce is developing a roadmap to identify unauthorized operations and address the influx of foreign nationals who allegedly negotiate directly with local landowners to bypass mining regulations. Kromah highlighted the environmental risks, specifically the contamination of water sources through the use of sand dams and other unregulated practices.

In Ghana, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, chief executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has called for intelligence agencies to investigate the importers of excavators used in ‘galamsey’ (illegal mining). This follows reports from the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, stating that illegal mining was responsible for 25% of fiber optic cable cuts in 2026. With over 8,000 cuts recorded and US$20 million spent on repairs, industry leaders are urging national security and intelligence services to trace the financing and importation of the machinery used in these activities.