The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the NDC administration’s commitment to clamp down on the activities of illegal mining and declared that no illegal miner will be given a safe haven.
Addressing a press briefing on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Minister outlined a comprehensive five-pillar strategy aimed at permanently dismantling the illegal mining networks that continue to pose significant environmental, economic, and security threats to the country.
“We must safeguard Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and lands for future generations. The destruction caused by galamsey is not just an environmental issue; it is a national security threat, an economic threat, and a public health crisis.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
According to Hon. Buah, the fight against illegal mining cannot be won by sporadic interventions or military operations alone.
Instead, the government is adopting a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes and enforces long-term sustainable solutions.
The five key strategies outlined by the Minister include reforming the licensing regime, with the Minister stating that the government aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the issuance of mining permits.
“If anybody wants to do genuine small-scale mining, this government is committed to guiding them, giving them licenses, and guiding them on the path of doing small-scale mining in a more responsible and sustainable manner.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
This reform is expected to eliminate backdoor deals and reduce the incentives for engaging in illegal mining.
Secondly, the Minister of Lands indicated that crackdowns on illegal operations will be intensified, with security forces empowered to arrest and prosecute offenders without fear or favor.
The Minister warned that both local and foreign nationals found engaging in galamsey will face the full rigors of the law.
The government recognizes that tackling galamsey requires cooperation from traditional authorities, local government structures, and civil society organizations.
According to the Lands Minister, chiefs and opinion leaders will be actively engaged in sensitizing their communities on the importance of sustainable mining practices.
With vast areas of Ghana’s forests and farmlands destroyed by illegal mining, Hon. Buah disclosed that the government is investing heavily in reclaiming mined-out lands, adding that enforcing responsible mining practices and restoring affected areas will be a key priority.
To address the widespread involvement of illegal mining in the country, Hon. Buah indicated that the government will implement programs that provide affected communities with sustainable income sources such as agriculture, aquaculture, and small-scale legal mining cooperatives.
Significant Progress in Reclaiming Forest Reserves
As part of efforts to reclaim Ghana’s natural resources, Hon. Buah revealed that the government has successfully recovered seven out of nine forest reserves that were previously under the control of heavily armed illegal miners.
These recovered reserves include Jimira & Jimira Extension, Afao Hills, Tano Anwia, Ofin Shelterbelt, Anhwiaso East & Anhwiaso South, and Subri.
According to Hon. Buah, work is currently underway to reclaim the remaining two reserves, Asenayo and Desiri, which continue to experience illegal mining activities despite ongoing enforcement efforts.
Ongoing and Future Measures to Strengthen the Fight
The Minister further outlined additional measures that will be implemented to bolster the anti-galamsey fight.
The Lands Minister pointed out that joint military-forestry operations have already led to the seizure of 100 excavators, 3 bulldozers, and 4 vehicles used for illegal mining. These efforts will continue unabated.
Also, the Minister indicated that geological surveys of mineral-rich areas will be conducted to enable more regulated mining activities while minimizing environmental destruction.
Additionally, Hon. Buah noted that geotagging and geofencing of excavators will be introduced to track and monitor their movement and usage, ensuring they are used for legitimate purposes only.
“We believe that this programme of geotagging and geofencing must be expanded to include excavators as soon as they arrive at the ports. It doesn’t make any sense that the third most valuable item we import into this country, worth 6.2 billion cedis, is excavators.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
According to the Lands Minister, public education campaigns on environmental conservation will be integrated into school curricula to instill a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age.
He also indicated that decentralization of mining licenses will be undertaken to enhance transparency and reduce corruption in the allocation of concessions.
Call for National Support
Hon. Buah emphasized that the government alone cannot win the fight against illegal mining. He called on traditional leaders, local assemblies, and civil society organizations to play an active role in the battle to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
The Minister also issued a stern warning to individuals and groups who provide political cover or financial backing for galamsey operators.
He assured the public that the government remains resolute in its quest to clamp down on illegal mining, regardless of the individuals or entities involved.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let me emphasize that HE President John Dramani Mahama is very committed to fighting the activities of illegal mining and as a sector minister, I shall carry out this responsibility to the latter, no matter who is involved.
“My mandate from the President was to wipe out galamsey, and I shall do exactly that. Thank you”.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources
The devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and agricultural lands has been well documented. Rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin have been severely polluted, affecting millions of Ghanaians who rely on them for drinking water and farming.
The government’s intensified efforts come at a critical time when concerns about the sustainability of Ghana’s natural resources continue to grow.
Environmental activists, civil society organizations, and citizens alike have long called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations.
The latest measures announced by the Lands Minister suggest that the government is not only listening but is prepared to take decisive action to address this long-standing issue.
With Ghana’s fight against galamsey entering a new phase, the success of these initiatives will depend largely on the commitment of all stakeholders.
While the government’s five-pillar strategy provides a solid framework for tackling illegal mining, its effectiveness will be tested by the willingness of law enforcement agencies to remain firm and the readiness of communities to reject the lure of illegal mining.
As Hon. Buah put it, “This fight is not about politics; it is about the survival of our environment, our economy, and our future.”
The coming months will reveal whether the government’s intensified measures will finally bring galamsey to an end or whether the menace will continue to thrive despite all efforts.
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