The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Kofi Armah Boah, has vowed a relentless crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, following his working visit to the Ashanti Region to assess the extent of destruction in forest reserves.
During a media briefing, the minister expressed deep frustration over the alarming rate of deforestation and environmental degradation, particularly in the Nkawie Forest District, where illegal miners have encroached on protected lands.
The Minister described the devastation as “heartbreaking,” revealing that approximately 7,500 football fields worth of forest land had been destroyed.
He emphasized the critical role these forests play in sustaining life, maintaining biodiversity, and preserving water bodies, warning that continued destruction could lead to dire consequences for Ghana’s ecological and economic future.
Government’s Action Against Illegal Miners
The minister reiterated President John Dramani Mahamat’s commitment to restoring Ghana’s natural resources.
He announced that a new initiative, in collaboration with the Interior and Defense Ministries, had been launched to reclaim all forest reserves currently occupied by illegal mining gangs.
“Last week, we took the first bold step in reclaiming our forests. Armed gangs who had taken over parts of our reserves have been arrested and driven out,” Boah stated. “We have seized over 15 excavators, many of which are so badly damaged that they cannot be moved. This past weekend, working with the police, we arrested another group of illegal miners, including seven Chinese nationals and eight Ghanaian accomplices, in an operation in the Ankobra area.”
He assured that these actions are only the beginning, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies will pursue every illegal miner, financier, and enabler involved in the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
New Policies to Regulate Mining Activities
In an effort to curb illegal mining and provide alternatives, the government is streamlining the process for acquiring legal mining licenses.
He explained that community leaders, the Minerals Commission, and local authorities will now play a more significant role in ensuring responsible mining practices.
“We are creating a pathway for those who wish to mine legally. The process is being decentralized to ensure that mining is done under strict regulations that protect our environment,” he noted.
He further announced an upcoming amendment to the Minerals and Mining Act, which will remove the President’s discretionary power to issue mining licenses. The move, he said, is to prevent political interference and ensure a transparent licensing process.
Warning to Illegal Miners and Their Financiers
In a strong warning to those still engaged in illegal mining, Boah declared that the government is determined to dismantle their operations.
“We are coming after every illegal miner, financier, and those renting out excavators for this destruction. You have a choice: leave now or be arrested. This is a war for the soul of our forests and water bodies, and we will not relent.”
The minister revealed that intelligence efforts are underway to track down financiers of illegal mining operations. He assured that all individuals involved, including those who facilitate the smuggling of equipment into mining sites, will be held accountable.
Protecting Journalists and Enforcing the Law
The elembele MP also addressed recent attacks on journalists covering illegal mining activities, condemning the violent incidents and assuring that perpetrators will face justice.
“We will not tolerate attacks on journalists who are working to expose the truth. Those responsible for attacking media personnel will be arrested and prosecuted. If you touch our journalists, you will face the full force of the law,” he asserted.
A Call for National Support
The minister called on all Ghanaians to support the fight against illegal mining, emphasizing that the battle is not just about law enforcement but about protecting the nation’s future.
“This is not just a government fight. It is a fight for every Ghanaian. If you truly care about Ghana, you must stand with us. Enough is enough. We cannot allow our forests and water bodies to be destroyed any further,” he urged.
As part of the ongoing crackdown, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Boah assured that the government will continue reclaiming forest reserves one at a time, ensuring that Ghana’s natural resources are preserved for future generations.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh /Isaac Justice Bediako
