The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, has held a press briefing to update Ghanaians on the ongoing fight against illegal mining in the country. “Government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, with significant progress made in reclaiming forest reserves and tightening mining regulations”, he stated.
The Minister re-echoed the MLNR’s unwavering commitment to protect the Nation’s future by preserving its critical natural resources. He emphasised on the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, describing it as a form of “terrorism” against the country’s natural resources. He reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to wage an “uncompromising war” against the practice, commonly known as “galamsey”.
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, indicated that government has adopted a multi-faceted strategy anchored on five (5) main pillars such as Reforming the Licensing Regime; Strengthening the Law Enforcement and Regulations; Stakeholder Engagement and Education; Reclamation of Mined Out Areas through the Tree for Life program, which aims to plant over 7 million seedlings and Providing Alterative Livelihoods for Mining Communities to tackle this canker.
He continued that the withdrawal of military support in November 2022 had severely weakened the state’s capacity to fight illegal mining, especially in forest reserves particularly due to the use of advanced weaponry by illegal mining syndicates in forest reserves and along water bodies.
In response, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama directed the Ministry of Defence to redeploy military personnel to support the Forestry Commission’s Rapid Response Unit and other state agencies in intensifying anti-illegal mining operations.
According to the Minister, seven (7) out of nine (9) that were classified as “no-go” zones due to the dominance of armed illegal miners have now been reclaimed through the sustained joint operations of the Forestry Commission’s (FC) Rapid Response Team and the Military.The reclaimed reserves include: Jimira & Jimira Extension, Afao Hills, Tano Anwia, Ofin Shelterbelt, Anhwiaso East & Anhwiaso South & Subri. Efforts are ongoing to reclaim the remaining two (2) reserves – Asenayo & Desiri.
He further explained that law enforcement operations have led to the seizure of 100 excavators, three bulldozers, and four vehicles across major illegal mining hubs in Ashanti and Western North regions.
Despite these progresses, illegal miners continue to resist efforts with violent clashes, resulting in a near-fatal assault on one of FC’s personnel. The government also faces judicial challenges, such as a recent court ruling in Enchi that briefly returned seized excavators to illegal miners before being overturned.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources is committed to eradicating illegal mining. However, given the complex nature of the challenges faced, the government urges all stakeholders—including traditional leaders, local assemblies, and civil societies—to actively support these efforts to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for present and future generations.
In conclusion, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah sounded a note of caution to those involved in this illegal mining enterprise, and their faceless collaborators hiding behind political colouration and influence, that any attempts to make calls and overtures to intercede for their notorious culprits, will not succeed.
