Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker, has called for a complete ban on illegal mining (galamsey) and the suspension of small-scale mining to facilitate land reclamation efforts across the country.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Wednesday, April 2, Ade Coker stressed the need for decisive action to protect Ghana’s natural resources from further destruction.

He also suggested that large-scale mining companies temporarily halt operations for at least three to four years to allow for land restoration.

“Galamsey should be banned; small-scale mining should be suspended. The big companies should be set aside for the next three to four years to reclaim our land. How much are we getting from our gold? The last time I heard, $2 billion worth of Ghana’s gold was exported to Dubai, and out of that $2 billion, most of it was smuggled. Ghana gained just peanuts from it,” he stated.

Ade Coker also emphasized the importance of tracking excavators used in mining operations to prevent illegal activities.

“We should have an inventory of all the excavators in this country. We should find out which excavator is in road construction and how many are in mining, then call the owners to bring them to designated places,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Western Central Regional Police Command has arrested 11 individuals for engaging in illegal mining activities along the Bonsa River in the Western Region.

The suspects—seven Ghanaians and four Chinese nationals—were apprehended on March 31, 2025, as part of an intelligence-led operation aimed at tackling illegal mining in the region.