The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has raised alarm over the increasing threat posed by illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators, to Ghana’s forest reserves.
According to the minister, 44 forest reserves across the country are under serious threat, with heavily armed miners defying authorities.
Addressing the issue, Buah emphasized the need for a united and depoliticized approach to tackling illegal mining. He urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to take active leadership roles in their constituencies to protect the nation’s natural resources.
“As if on a daily basis, these bad actors are becoming more emboldened, making it seem as though we are helpless as a country. But we believe there are solutions,” he stated.
The minister commended President Mahama’s commitment to fighting illegal mining but stressed that success depends on the collective efforts of all Ghanaians.
To address the crisis, Buah announced plans for a national conference in the coming week, bringing together MPs and key stakeholders to develop lasting solutions to the illegal mining menace.
He also called on the media to play a crucial role in exposing illegal activities, urging journalists to focus on investigative reporting rather than sensationalism.
“This is not about shielding anyone. Whether NPP or NDC, anyone destroying our water bodies and forests is a bad person and must be exposed. We are committed to naming, shaming, and bringing these individuals to justice,” he declared.
With illegal mining posing a severe environmental and economic threat, the government’s renewed call for collective action signals an urgent push to curb the destruction of Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
