Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has acknowledged the scale of the country’s illegal mining challenge but said the government remains committed to eliminating the practice and restoring the environment.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, Buah described illegal mining, locally known as galamsey, as one of Ghana’s most serious environmental threats, citing its impact on forests, rivers and farmlands.
He said the government was stepping up efforts to reclaim degraded lands, restore polluted water bodies and protect forest reserves through closer collaboration with state institutions, security agencies and local communities.
“The fight against illegal mining is a defining environmental battle that our generation must fight. Our rivers are not for sale, our forests are not expendable, our mineral wealth is a sacred inheritance that we have a duty to protect,” the minister said.
Buah said protecting Ghana’s natural resources was a national responsibility, adding that future generations deserved to inherit a healthy environment and sustainably managed mineral resources.
He warned that individuals and groups engaged in illegal mining would continue to face prosecution as the government intensifies enforcement measures.
“The era of impunity is over, and the government will continue to pursue everyone who profits from the destruction of our environment,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Buah expressed confidence that Ghana would succeed in tackling illegal mining and reversing the environmental damage caused by the practice.
“The battle against illegal mining is difficult, but the Ghanaian spirit is stronger. We will not retreat, we will not relent and we will not surrender, but we shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth and secure a greener, stronger and more prosperous Ghana for posterity,” he said.
