The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has has vowed to completely eradicate the illegal mining also known as galamsay menace under his leadership.
This comes in response to growing calls from environmental advocacy groups for a declaration of a state of emergency due to the severe impacts of illegal mining.
Addressing the media a while ago, the Ellembelle MP emphasized that the government will treat illegal miners as terrorists, and that comprehensive measures will be implemented to deal with the situation.
The Minister outlined a five-pillar strategy to tackle illegal mining:
- Reforming the Licensing Regime – Ensuring transparency and accountability in mining permits.
- Strengthening Law Enforcement – Intensifying crackdowns on illegal operations and prosecuting offenders.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration – Partnering with traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society to promote sustainable mining.
- Reclamation of Degraded Lands – Restoring mined-out areas and enforcing responsible mining practices.
- Alternative Livelihoods for Mining Communities – Supporting affected communities with sustainable income sources.
Significant Progress Made
The government has reclaimed seven out of nine forest reserves previously controlled by armed illegal miners. The recovered reserves include: Jimira & Jimira Extension, Afao Hills, Tano Anwia, Ofin Shelterbelt, Anhwiaso East & Anhwiaso South, and Subri. Efforts are underway to reclaim the remaining two reserves: Asenayo and Desiri.
Ongoing and Future Measures
- Joint military-forestry operations have led to 100 excavators, 3 bulldozers, and 4 vehicles seized.
- Geological surveys of mineral-rich areas will be conducted.
- Geotagging and geofencing of excavators to monitor their use.
- Public education campaigns on environmental protection, integrated into school curricula.
- Decentralization of mining licenses to improve transparency and reduce corruption.
Call for National Support
Hon. Buah urged traditional leaders, local assemblies, and civil society to support the fight against illegal mining. “We must safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations,” he emphasized.
