The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, delivered a compelling presentation at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College on the topic: “Combating Illegal Mining in Ghana: Strategies for Conflict Prevention and Sustainable Development.”
Addressing officers and stakeholders, the Minister issued a passionate call for collective action in the fight against illegal mining—locally known as galamsey—which continues to pose a grave threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and national security.
Reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal mining, Hon. Buah outlined a comprehensive five-pillar strategy:
Strengthening Law Enforcement – Enhancing the deployment of military personnel and improving collaboration with law enforcement agencies to arrest offenders and ensure swift prosecution.
Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration – Building strong partnerships with traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and the media to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Reforming the Licensing Regime – Introducing greater transparency and accountability in the issuance of mining permits to curb abuse and illegal operations.
Reclamation of Degraded Lands – Restoring areas devastated by illegal mining and enforcing strict environmental compliance across the sector.
Alternative Livelihoods – Supporting affected communities with sustainable economic opportunities to reduce dependence on illegal mining.
The Minister also highlighted two major government initiatives designed to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources:
The Blue Water Initiative – A collaborative effort with the Ghana Navy and the Minerals Commission to train 2,000 community vanguards in protecting vital water bodies from mining pollution.
The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative – A national campaign aimed at planting 20 million trees to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen Ghana’s climate resilience.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
