Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has raised alarm over the alarming rate of illegal mining activities within Ghana’s forest reserves, revealing that 9 out of 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by illegal miners.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the minister described the situation as a national crisis, warning of its severe implications on the environment, water bodies, public health, and national security.
“Over 9 out of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by these illegal mining thugs with impunity. The Forestry Commission no longer have access to these forest reserves in the short term. Mr. Speaker, we want to clear all water bodies from illegal mining activities through the use of river gas under our Blue Water Initiative”, he stated.
Armah Kofi-Buah expressed worry over illegal mining activities popularly referred to as galamsey.
“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 with their national security and public health consequences that require immediate attention. It will interest you to note that out of the 288 forest reserves that I have mentioned, a whopping 44 of these forest reserves are under serious attack by illegal miners and an estimated area of over 5,000 hectares has been devastated”, he noted.
Additionally, the minister emphasized the need for stronger law enforcement, lamenting, “The numbers for prosecution for illegal mining is not very encouraging. Out of over 800, the number we had for people who have been persecuted was less than 40.”
He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and reclaiming Ghana’s forest reserves, stressing the urgency of action to prevent further environmental destruction.
JKB/KA
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