The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Amarh Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, by exposing those responsible for destroying the country’s water bodies and forests.
Speaking on the issue, the minister stressed that the fight against galamsey requires collective action and should not be politicised.
He called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to take leadership roles in their respective constituencies, emphasizing that the issue is not about political affiliations but about protecting the future of the nation.
“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.
“President Mahama has demonstrated the political will to tackle this menace, but we can only succeed with the collective effort of all Ghanaians.”
The minister announced plans to hold a national conference in the coming week to engage MPs and other stakeholders in finding lasting solutions to illegal mining.
He underscored the importance of media involvement, 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,” Buah declared.
Illegal mining has long been a major environmental and economic challenge in Ghana, with rivers and forests suffering severe degradation.
The government’s renewed commitment to fighting galamsey is expected to bring stricter enforcement of environmental laws, especially on water bodies and forests.