Minister Leads Major Wins Against Illegal Mining


The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced significant progress in the fight against illegal mining, highlighting the government's dual approach of military operations and community-focused initiatives. Briefing the media today, the Minister emphasized the government's commitment to reclaiming forest reserves and curbing illegal mining activities.

According to the Minister, at the start of 2025, nine forest reserves were classified as "no-go zones" due to the presence of armed illegal miners. However, through sustained joint military operations, seven of these reserves, including Jimira, Afao Hills, and Tano Anwia, have been successfully reclaimed. Efforts are ongoing to reclaim the remaining two reserves, namely Asenayo and Desiri.

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah noted that the joint task force's operations in high-risk areas such as the Ashanti and Western North regions led to the seizure of 100 excavators, three bulldozers, and four vehicles used by the illegal miners. Despite resistance from armed gangs, the Minister reaffirmed that the government remains resolute in its quest to end illegal mining.

To strengthen the fight against illegal mining, the Minister announced the launch of the Blue Water Initiative, which aims to train 2,000 youth as water guards to monitor and report illegal mining activities. The first batch of trainees is expected to complete their training by mid-April 2025. Additionally, the Tree for Life Initiative seeks to plant over twenty million seedlings to rehabilitate degraded lands.

Addressing legal challenges, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah cited a recent court ruling in Enchi that initially ordered the release of seized excavators back to miners. However, the ruling was overturned through collaborative legal efforts. The Minister stressed the importance of community engagement, environmental education, and ongoing reforms, including geotagging of excavators and decentralizing the licensing regime, to ensure sustained progress in the fight against illegal mining.

The Minister concluded by assuring the public that the government will continue to implement both enforcement measures and community-centered strategies to protect Ghana's natural resources.

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