On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, presented a grim report to Parliament on the devastating impact of illegal mining, also known as “galamsey,” on the environment.
The Minister disclosed that 44 of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves are being ravaged by illegal mining activities, leading to the destruction of over 5,000 hectares of forest land. The worst-hit areas include the Ashanti, Western, and Western North regions.
He also drew attention to the severe pollution of key river systems such as the Pra, Tano, and Ankobra, with water quality deteriorating to dangerous levels due to galamsey operations.
The rivers are further contaminated with harmful chemicals, including mercury and cyanide, posing serious health risks and threatening the availability of clean water.
The Minister noted that illegal mining gangs are heavily armed with advanced weaponry, making it increasingly difficult for forest guards to effectively control the situation.
In addition, he expressed concern over the low rate of successful prosecutions, revealing that, of over 800 reported cases of illegal mining, fewer than 40 have resulted in convictions.
He outlined a range of measures aimed at addressing the crisis in both the short, medium, and long term. Immediate steps include the launch of the “Blue Water Initiative” to restore polluted water bodies, enhanced law enforcement through collaboration with stakeholders, and a review of mining regulations to propose radical reforms.
In the medium term, plans include the “Tree for Life” reforestation project and stricter enforcement of mining regulations via legislative actions.
The long-term goal is to develop sustainable frameworks for small-scale mining that prioritize environmental preservation.
In a heartfelt appeal, Mr. Armah Buah urged Parliament and all Ghanaians to come together in the fight against illegal mining, emphasizing that a united effort across political lines and within communities is crucial to reversing the environmental damage and safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.
