The Forestry Commission has expressed concern over recent media reports that seek to undermine the significant strides made in the fight against illegal mining in Ghana’s forest reserves.
The Commission insisted that, through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Defence, remarkable progress has been achieved in reclaiming illegally occupied reserves.
In a statement signed by the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown, the Commission clarified the situation regarding nine forest reserves that had been declared “no-go” zones due to the presence of heavily armed gangs obstructing forestry officers from carrying out their duties.
“Over the past three weeks, with military support, the Forestry Commission has successfully cleared these armed groups and illegal miners from seven of the nine forest reserves. Follow-up operations have also led to the arrest of several illegal miners, who have been handed over to the police for prosecution.”
Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown
During the operations, authorities seized a substantial amount of equipment used in illegal mining activities, including 55 excavators, three bulldozers, three pick-up trucks, four pump-action rifles, 11 motorbikes, and various other mining tools.
Additionally, 71 individuals involved in illegal mining within forest reserves were arrested at different locations.
The crackdown targeted forest reserves in the Ashanti, Western North, and Western regions, areas heavily affected by illegal mining activities.
A Significant Milestone in a Long Battle
Dr. Brown highlighted that these operations mark a significant achievement in the relentless fight against illegal mining.
He emphasized that the successful crackdown demonstrates the government’s commitment to curbing the destruction of natural resources and protecting forest reserves.
According to him, this milestone serves as both a deterrent to illegal miners and a testament to the authorities’ dedication to enforcing environmental laws.
“The Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources acknowledge that the battle against illegal mining is ongoing, but it is crucial to state that these achievements confirm the progress being made as steps toward ultimately winning the fight against these illegal activities.”
Dr. Hugh C. A. Brown
The government, through the Forestry Commission and relevant stakeholders, remains committed to intensifying efforts to prevent further encroachment into protected reserves.
Dr. Brown reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to tackling illegal mining, stating that authorities are actively monitoring known hotspots and responding swiftly to emerging threats.
He assured the public that measures are in place to consolidate recent gains and prevent illegal miners from reclaiming cleared areas.
He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration among the public, security agencies, and traditional leaders in the fight against illegal mining, which continues to pose serious environmental and economic risks to the country.
The degradation of forest reserves, he warned, not only disrupts biodiversity but also endangers the livelihoods of communities that depend on these natural resources.
Call for Collective Action
Additionally, Dr. Brown called on all stakeholders, including local communities, civil society organizations, and the media, to support government efforts in eradicating illegal mining activities.
He warned that failure to act decisively would have dire consequences for Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and agricultural lands.“Together, we will protect our forests and natural resources for future generations.”
He further stressed that the government remains fully committed to ensuring that the Forestry Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources continue working with all relevant agencies to eliminate illegal mining.
The fight against illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey,’ has been a major national concern, given its devastating effects on water bodies and forest reserves.
Various administrations have made efforts to clamp down on these activities, but the persistence of illegal mining suggests the need for sustained and stricter enforcement measures.
As operations continue, stakeholders and environmental advocates will be keenly watching to see whether these gains can be maintained in the long term and whether the government will follow through with policies to restore and protect Ghana’s remaining forest reserves.
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