The government has announced plans to designate all rivers and forests in Ghana as security zones as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed the new measure during an appearance on the GTV Breakfast Show on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, warning that individuals caught engaging in illegal mining within these protected areas will be doing so at their own risk.
“We are moving another step further, and that step says we are going to declare all the water bodies and our forests security zones. And you stay there and engage in illegal mining activity at your own risk. That is the step,” he stated.
The minister emphasised that this directive aligns with the president’s commitment to exhaust all measures to combat galamsey.
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“When the president said that we are going to use all the steps, that’s what he meant. And so I’m very confident. How can people leave red zones for you when you come and clear within nine months? And those people who have caused the damage have the audacity to be talking?” he questioned.
Regarding arrests made so far, the minister disclosed that cases are at various stages of prosecution, with the Attorney General personally overseeing the matter.
He reiterated that the law will be applied impartially.
“I think that the Attorney General is on top of this matter, and anybody engaged in illegal mining, we don’t care who you are or how politically connected, we will arrest and prosecute you,” he added.
The decision to classify rivers and forests as security zones is expected to grant state security agencies greater authority to take decisive action against illegal mining operations, which have continued to wreak havoc on water bodies and forest reserves across the country.
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The decision comes on the back of ongoing calls for the government to declare a state of emergency in areas affected by galamsey activities.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi and Majority Chief Whip, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, appearing on JoyNewsfile on Saturday, September 20, 2025, said he would prefer that the government declare forests and rivers as security zones instead of a state of emergency, which he notes has far-reaching effects beyond the intended purpose.
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