The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has outlined a series of decisive measures to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. He has, therefore, emphasised the need for a collective and sustained approach to addressing the menace.
Giving his opening address during a conference on the theme: “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana” at Kempinksi Hotel, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring environmental integrity while ensuring responsible small-scale mining.
“In the past month, since assuming office as Sector Minister, I have taken immediate steps to address this crisis. We are coming out with a systematic, sustained, well-thought-out, and all-inclusive approach to solving the menace,” Mr. Kofi-Buah stated.
Strengthened enforcement efforts
As part of efforts to curb galamsey, the Minister announced intensified collaboration with security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining activities. He revealed that in the past few weeks, several foreign and Ghanaian nationals involved in illegal mining had been arrested and would face prosecution.
“We have, in the last couple of weeks, apprehended some foreign and Ghanaian perpetrators, and they are going to be prosecuted duly,” he emphasized.
Stakeholder engagement and policy review
Mr. Kofi-Buah stressed the need for broad consultations with traditional authorities, the media, and youth groups to build consensus on sustainable mining practices.
“We are on a quest to actively undertake broad stakeholder engagements with Chiefs, the Media, and youth groups – and today’s event is one of such,” he said.
Additionally, the Minister announced an ongoing review of the mining licensing regime to streamline the process, ensuring that only legally compliant and environmentally responsible entities are granted permits.
As part of these reforms, he proposed the establishment of local permitting and policing units, expanding the District Security Council (DISEC) to include representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Forestry Commission, Water Resources Commission, Minerals Commission, and traditional authorities.
He further revealed that a comprehensive review of the Community Mining Policy is also in progress to enhance transparency and ensure that local communities retain ownership of mining activities.
Collectiveness
Kofi-Buah urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to play a leading role in ensuring that responsible small-scale mining becomes a driver of economic growth rather than environmental destruction.
“This conference is not just about sharing information; it is about building a united front to tackle this challenge head-on. It is about empowering you, as Members of Parliament, to take the lead in your constituencies and to be champions of change,” he charged.
He reminded stakeholders that the choices made today would shape Ghana’s environmental and economic future, calling for a balance between resource exploitation and sustainable development.
Commitment
The Minister assured that the NDC administration was determined to win the fight against galamsey, but success would required the collective efforts of all stakeholders.
“We cannot do this alone. The future of our nation depends on the actions we take today. Together, we can restore the beauty of our land, protect our environment, and ensure that small-scale mining becomes a source of pride and prosperity for all Ghanaians,” he said.
He observed that the destruction of lands, forests, and waterways as a result of unlawful and careless small-scale mining operations was one of the most urgent issues confronting the country.
“The theme of this conference, “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” is not just a call to action; it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural resources that sustain our livelihoods, our economy, and our future generations,” he stressed.
Decimation
He further added: “Honourable Colleagues, as representatives of the people, you are acutely aware of the public outcry over the state of our environment. Our forests are being decimated, our farmlands are being degraded, and our rivers are being polluted with toxic chemicals. This is not just an environmental crisis; it is a social and economic crisis that threatens the very fabric of our communities”
The Minister emphasised that small-scale mining, when done responsibly and within the framework of the law, was not the enemy. Instead, he indicated that it was a vital sector that provides employment for millions of Ghanaians and contributes significantly to our national economy.
“The problem lies in the illegal and unregulated activities that have taken hold, driven by greed and a disregard for our laws and environment. Just a couple of days ago, I was in the Offin Shelterbelt Forest Reserve, and about 30 hectares of the reserve had been degraded due to such illegalities,” he stated.
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