The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced plans to engage traditional leaders in the coming days as part of renewed efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
His declaration underscores the John Dramani Mahama-led administration’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies by ensuring a regulated and sustainable mining sector. The government seeks to enforce environmental laws while creating a structured pathway for legal mining activities that do not compromise the country’s natural resources.
Speaking to journalists after meeting with staff of the Ministry on his first day in office, the Minister emphasized the crucial role of traditional authorities in land and resource management. He noted that sustainable solutions to the galamsey crisis require active collaboration with chiefs and local leaders who have direct influence over land use decisions in their respective communities. By working closely with them, the government aims to strengthen the fight against illegal mining and promote environmentally responsible mining practices.
Armah-Kofi Buah acknowledged that eradicating illegal mining would require more than just enforcement measures. The approach must involve providing clear legal pathways for individuals who wish to engage in mining, ensuring they do so in an environmentally friendly manner that does not threaten the country’s water bodies and forests. The Minister reiterated that this would be a key focus of his tenure, and engaging traditional authorities would be a crucial first step. He assured that his office would soon begin a series of visits to critical traditional authorities to solicit their advice and support in this national effort.
Illegal mining has remained one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges, with devastating consequences for water bodies, farmlands, and forest reserves. Over the years, successive governments have implemented various measures to curb the menace, yet the problem persists. Galamsey operations have led to widespread pollution of rivers and streams, rendering some water sources unsafe for consumption. The destruction of farmlands has also had economic implications for local communities, while the use of hazardous chemicals such as mercury in illegal mining poses severe health risks.
The government’s approach under Armah-Kofi Buah is expected to balance enforcement with engagement, recognizing that sustainable solutions must involve those who are most affected by mining activities. The Minister’s decision to engage traditional leaders aligns with the understanding that chiefs play a central role in the management of land and natural resources. Many traditional leaders have expressed concerns over the impact of illegal mining on their communities and have called for stronger enforcement of regulations. Others, however, have been accused of complicity in illegal mining activities, either through direct involvement or by granting unauthorized access to lands. Addressing these dynamics will be a critical aspect of the Minister’s engagement strategy.
Beyond working with traditional leaders, Armah-Kofi Buah has also emphasized the role of the media in tackling illegal mining. He announced plans to hold monthly media briefings to provide updates on the government’s efforts in addressing the crisis. The Minister stressed the need for media support in exposing individuals and groups who are actively destroying the country’s water bodies, while also commending those who are engaging in responsible and sustainable mining.
Recognizing the media as an essential partner in this fight, he assured journalists of the government’s full backing in reporting on environmental degradation caused by illegal mining. He called on media houses to intensify their investigative efforts and hold all stakeholders accountable, from government officials to community leaders and mining operators. By maintaining a high level of transparency and public engagement, the government hopes to build national momentum against galamsey and foster a culture of responsible mining.
The decision to provide regular updates on the progress of the anti-galamsey campaign reflects a shift toward a more open and participatory governance approach. The Mahama administration’s strategy aims to keep the public informed while encouraging active citizen involvement in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities. This level of transparency is expected to build trust between the government and local communities, ensuring that efforts to tackle illegal mining are not seen as mere political rhetoric but as a genuine commitment to environmental protection and national development.
Stakeholders across various sectors have welcomed the Minister’s announcement, with environmental groups calling for swift action to translate these commitments into concrete results. Many civil society organizations have long advocated for a more collaborative approach to tackling illegal mining, emphasizing that enforcement alone is not enough. They argue that the root causes of galamsey—including poverty, unemployment, and weak regulatory enforcement—must be addressed in a comprehensive manner.
One of the key challenges in curbing illegal mining is the economic motivation behind it. Many individuals engaged in galamsey see it as a means of livelihood in the face of limited employment opportunities. Without viable economic alternatives, efforts to clamp down on illegal mining often face resistance. The government’s long-term strategy, therefore, must include measures to provide alternative livelihood programs for those affected by mining sector reforms. Training and financial support for small-scale miners to transition into legal and environmentally sustainable operations will be critical.
Another major challenge is the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining activities. Reports over the years have indicated the presence of foreign syndicates, particularly from China, operating in collaboration with local actors. The government’s enforcement agencies have carried out crackdowns on such operations, but the problem persists. Addressing the issue of foreign involvement in galamsey will require stronger border controls, improved surveillance, and stricter enforcement of mining regulations. The government must also ensure that permits and licenses are granted transparently, eliminating opportunities for corrupt practices that allow illegal mining activities to thrive. Strengthening institutions such as the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be essential in ensuring that regulations are effectively implemented and enforced.
Armah-Kofi Buah’s plan to engage traditional leaders also presents an opportunity to reinforce local accountability mechanisms. Chiefs and community leaders, when actively involved in the decision-making process, can serve as key allies in preventing illegal mining within their jurisdictions. Some communities have already taken proactive steps by forming local task forces to monitor and report illegal mining activities. Scaling up such initiatives with government support could significantly enhance the effectiveness of anti-galamsey efforts.
The government’s renewed fight against illegal mining will also require strong political will. In the past, allegations of political interference and selective enforcement of mining regulations have hindered progress. Ensuring that actions taken against illegal miners are consistent and free from political bias will be essential in maintaining credibility. Moreover, addressing corruption within regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies will be crucial, as past efforts to tackle galamsey have been undermined by officials colluding with illegal miners.
As the Mahama administration embarks on this renewed effort to combat illegal mining, expectations remain high. The success of this initiative will depend on the government’s ability to enforce regulations effectively while fostering cooperation among traditional leaders, the media, civil society, and law enforcement agencies. The battle against galamsey is not just about preserving the environment; it is about securing the future of Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable economic growth for generations to come.
