Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining in Ghana, declaring a relentless and firm approach to the fight.
Speaking after a successful operation on February 22, 2025, to reclaim the Shelter Belt Forest Reserve in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Interior, Hon. Buah highlighted the urgency of the government’s mission to restore forest reserves, water bodies, and biodiversity damaged by illegal mining (galamsey).
The minister revealed that approximately 30 hectares of the Shelter Belt Forest Reserve were destroyed by illegal mining, contributing to a total of 5,000 hectares lost to galamsey activities across the country.
He emphasized that this threat to Ghana’s environment cannot continue and received the full backing of President John Dramani Mahama to remove illegal miners from forest and river areas.
In the operation, 15 excavators were seized and will be repurposed for road construction, an innovative strategy to repurpose seized equipment for national development.
He also assured that investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice with the support of the Ghana Armed Forces and Police Service.
The minister called for national unity in the fight against galamsey, urging Ghanaians to collaborate with the government to protect the environment, health, and future of the nation. He also condemned the recent attack on Citi FM journalists, calling for an end to such actions.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene, Ashanti Regional Minister, commended the Lands Minister for his proactive approach in addressing the issue on the ground and reaffirmed the government’s determination to win the war against illegal mining.