Accra: Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has reaffirmed the Ghanaian government's unwavering commitment to tackling the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The minister emphasized that the battle against illegal mining is challenging, but the resilient spirit of the Ghanaian people remains stronger. He asserted, "We will not retreat. We will not relent. We will not surrender."
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Buah articulated this determination during his address at the Government's Accountability Series Press Conference held at the Presidency in Accra. The minister highlighted various initiatives aimed at reclaiming rivers, restoring forests, reforming mining laws, modernizing land administration, and strengthening natural resource governance. His message was clear: Ghana's natural resources should benefit all citizens rather than a select few.
Mr Buah declared that the fight against illegal mining marks a defining environmental battle of their generation. He stated, "Our rivers are not for sale. Our forests are not expendable. Our mineral wealth is a sacred national inheritance that we have a duty to protect." He further warned that the era of impunity is over, and the government will relentlessly pursue those who profit from environmental destruction.
The minister called for collective action, urging traditional leaders, religious leaders, miners, security officers, media houses, communities, and citizens to join the fight against illegal mining. He underlined the importance of national unity in this endeavor, stating, "This battle cannot be won by the Government alone; it is Ghana's fight."
Mr Buah reported that during the review period, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) sustained a nationwide operational tempo against illegal mining in six hard-hit regions: Ashanti, Western, Western North, Eastern, Bono/Ahafo, and Central. A total of 200 operations were carried out across 53 districts, with an operational strike rate of 84.1 per cent.
The minister detailed that 169 enforcement actions targeted illegal mining sites, forest reserves, river bodies, and concession encroachments. As a result, 207 suspects, including 161 Ghanaians and 46 foreign nationals, were arrested and handed over to security services for appropriate action.
Between January and June this year, operations led to the seizure of 78 excavators and the immobilization of 90 others on-site. Additionally, 2,800 chanfangs were destroyed on river bodies, and 1,244 makeshift structures associated with illegal mining camps were dismantled. Various equipment, including water pumps, vehicles, motorbikes, generators, and gold detector machines, were also retrieved.
Mr Buah noted that water pumps were handed over to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support irrigation efforts. Furthermore, 112 pump-action rifles, two sidearms, two locally manufactured rifles, and 1,637 rounds of assorted ammunition were recovered and handed over to the Ministry for the Interior for destruction.