The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, delivered a compelling presentation at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College on the topic: “Combating Illegal Mining in Ghana: Strategies for Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Development.”
Addressing officers and stakeholders, the Minister issued a passionate call for collective action in the fight against illegal mining—locally known as galamsey—which continues to pose a grave threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and national security.
Reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining, Hon. Buah outlined a comprehensive five-pillar strategy:
Strengthening Law Enforcement – Enhancing the deployment of military personnel and improving collaboration with law enforcement agencies to arrest offenders and ensure swift prosecution.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration – Building strong partnerships with traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Reforming the Licensing Regime – Introducing greater transparency and accountability in the issuance of mining permits to curb abuse and illegal operations.
Reclamation of Degraded Lands – Restoring areas devastated by illegal mining and enforcing strict environmental compliance across the sector.
Alternative Livelihoods – Supporting affected communities with sustainable economic opportunities to reduce dependence on illegal mining.
The Minister also highlighted two major government initiatives designed to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources:
The Blue Water Initiative – A collaborative effort with the Ghana Navy and the Minerals Commission to train 2,000 community vanguards in protecting vital water bodies from mining pollution.
The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative – A national campaign aimed at planting 20 million trees to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen Ghana’s climate resilience.
In his address, Hon. Buah painted a stark picture of the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, particularly in forest reserves and water bodies. He emphasized the urgent need for regulatory reform and strategic enforcement to halt further degradation.
The Minister concluded by assuring that existing mining policies would be reviewed and strengthened to reflect on-the-ground realities and support long-term sustainability and national development.