Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has expressed deep concern over the growing threat of illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana, revealing that illegal miners have taken over nine forest reserves, blocking access to the Forestry Commission.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 19, the minister described the situation as a crisis, emphasizing the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s forests and water bodies.
“Ghana is currently faced with an unprecedented threat to our forest resources and water bodies due largely to illegal small-scale mining activities. This situation has assumed crisis proportions.
“Over nine out of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by these illegal mining thugs with impunity. The Forestry Commission no longer has access to these forest reserves,” he stated.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Kofi Buah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining, vowing to take decisive action to reclaim Ghana’s natural resources.