The Ghanaian government is set to introduce significant interventions to curb the rampant illegal mining activities, which have wreaked havoc on the country’s environment.

Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, made this revelation during a recent interview. The measures, he explained, are part of the government’s renewed and more aggressive strategy to tackle the environmental crisis triggered by illegal mining activities.

“This legislative instrument (LI 2462) that allows mining in forest reserves will be repealed when Parliament resumes. It’s a priority for us, and it’s a necessary action to restore and protect our environment.
“The government will take all necessary steps to ensure that offenders are swiftly prosecuted.”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

Hon. Jinapor stressed that this legislative change will be the first crucial step in addressing the legal loopholes that have allowed illegal mining to flourish.

In the interview, Hon. Jinapor expressed the government’s firm commitment to the fight against ‘galamsey’, citing the urgent need for reform to protect Ghana’s natural resources, particularly its water bodies and forests.

In addition to legal reforms, Hon. Jinapor outlined operational measures that the government will deploy to combat ‘galamsey’. One of the key interventions will involve enhanced monitoring and protection of river bodies, which have been heavily polluted by illegal mining activities.

“River guards and the navy will be patrolling our river bodies, alongside other interventions that will be rolled out soon,” the Minister disclosed. These patrols are expected to create a visible security presence on Ghana’s waterways, ensuring that illegal miners are kept at bay and water bodies are protected.

Hon. Jinapor also emphasized the expansion of “Operation Halt”, a military-led initiative aimed at clamping down on illegal mining operations. He noted that the operation, which involves frequent raids on illegal mining sites, will be intensified in the coming weeks.

“Operation Halt has been happening almost every fortnight, and we are going to intensify that,” he said, dismissing suggestions that the government’s anti-‘galamsey’ efforts were merely a response to pressure from Organised Labour.

Addressing Public Concerns and Organised Labour’s Strike Threat

Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor also touched on the government’s ongoing engagement with Organised Labour, an influential workers’ union in Ghana, which had announced plans for a nationwide strike on October 10 to demand stronger measures against illegal mining and related environmental damage.

Hon. Jinapor described the government’s recent discussions with Organised Labour as “productive and fruitful,” assuring the public that both parties are aligned on the need for swift action against ‘galamsey’. He stressed that the government has long been working on solutions and that the upcoming interventions are part of a comprehensive, long-term strategy.

“These new interventions are not a reaction to pressure. We have been actively tackling illegal mining for years, and we are committed to protecting the environment.
“The impression should never be created that we are just waking up to take action against this menace.”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

Throughout the interview, Hon. Jinapor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s natural resources. He pointed out that while agriculture remains the leading cause of deforestation, mining—especially illegal mining—poses a direct and severe threat to the country’s ecosystems, particularly its rivers and forest reserves.

“Mining on river bodies is banned, and these areas are designated red zones. Mining is not permitted within 100 meters of our water bodies, and we are even planning to extend this restriction to 200 meters. Similarly, small-scale mining is prohibited in forest areas.”
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The Minister’s statements underline the government’s intent to bolster environmental protection measures while enforcing stricter controls on illegal mining activities.

While challenges remain, particularly in balancing the interests of various stakeholders, the government’s commitment to long-term solutions offers hope for a future where Ghana’s natural resources are preserved for generations to come.