Minister Armah-Kofi Buah pledges to use all legal means to eradicate illegal mining

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has pledged to use all legal avenues necessary to eliminate illegal mining in the country.

During a press briefing in Accra, the Minister presented a five-pillar strategy to address illegal mining:

1. Reforming the Licensing Regime – Ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the issuance of mining permits.
2. Strengthening Law Enforcement – Intensifying efforts to crack down on illegal mining operations and prosecuting offenders.
3. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration – Partnering with traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society to foster sustainable mining practices.
4. Reclamation of Degraded Lands – Restoring areas affected by mining and enforcing responsible practices in the industry.
5. Alternative Livelihoods for Mining Communities – Providing affected communities with sustainable income alternatives.

The minister also highlighted that the government has successfully reclaimed seven out of nine forest reserves previously controlled by armed illegal miners. These recovered reserves include Jimira & Jimira Extension, Afao Hills, Tano Anwia, Ofin Shelterbelt, Anhwiaso East & Anhwiaso South, and Subri. Efforts are ongoing to reclaim the remaining two reserves: Asenayo and Desiri.

Regarding ongoing and future initiatives, he highlighted that joint military-forestry operations have resulted in the seizure of 100 excavators, 3 bulldozers, and 4 vehicles. Additionally, geological surveys will be conducted in mineral-rich areas.

Measures also include geotagging and geofencing of excavators to track their usage, as well as public education campaigns on environmental protection, which will be integrated into school curricula.

To improve transparency and reduce corruption, the decentralization of mining licenses is also being pursued.

The sector minister called on traditional leaders, local assemblies, and civil society to support efforts in combating illegal mining, stressing, “We must protect Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.”