Ghana Declares War on Illegal Mining

 


The Government of Ghana has intensified its fight against illegal mining (galamsey) with a firm commitment to reclaiming forest reserves, restoring polluted water bodies, and protecting biodiversity. Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, declaring that the government’s campaign against galamsey will be relentless, fair, and uncompromising.

Speaking after a fact-finding mission on Saturday, February 22, 2025, following a joint security operation to rescue the Offin Shelter Belt Forest Reserve, the Minister cautioned illegal miners to vacate protected areas immediately or face arrest. The operation, conducted in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Interior, revealed that 30 hectares of land had been destroyed by illegal mining in the Offin Shelter Belt alone. Nationwide, Ghana has lost an estimated 5,000 hectares—equivalent to 7,500 football fields—to illegal mining in forest reserves.

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized that the situation poses an existential threat to Ghana and vowed that the government would not relent until a sustainable solution is implemented. He disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had given the all-clear to intensify the crackdown on illegal mining, with security forces deployed to enforce the law.

During the operation, security forces seized fifteen excavators used in illegal mining. Rather than burning them, as was previously done, the government plans to repurpose the machines for road construction—a move the Minister described as “a more purposeful and innovative approach.”

"This is just the beginning. We are working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to bring perpetrators to justice. This is not an exercise in futility. We will not rest until every individual responsible for this environmental destruction is held accountable," the Minister declared.

The crackdown has already yielded significant results. In addition to the Offin Shelter Belt operation, security forces recently arrested 15 illegal miners—seven Chinese nationals and eight Ghanaians—along the Ankobra River. The Minister stressed that the government’s anti-galamsey drive is only in its early stages, with more enforcement actions expected in the coming weeks.

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah also condemned the recent attack on Citi FM journalists covering illegal mining activities, calling for greater protection for media professionals reporting on environmental crimes.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, commended the Lands Minister for his hands-on approach to tackling illegal mining, describing him as a leader who is not confined to an office but actively engaging in the fight. He assured Ghanaians that the government is fully committed to winning the war against galamsey, stating, “No stone will be left unturned in our bid to protect our forests and water bodies.”

The Minister urged all Ghanaians to support the government’s efforts in eradicating illegal mining, stressing that the fight to save the country’s natural resources requires national unity and determination.

"As I have stated before, and I reiterate today, we will not relent in this fight. This is a battle for all of us—every Ghanaian who values our environment, our health, and our future. I urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in this critical fight. Together, we can win this war," he concluded.



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