LANDS MINISTER ARMAH KOFI-BUAH SPEAKS ON FIGHT AGAINST GALAMSEY ON THE FLOOR OF PARLIAMENT

Fada Amakye1 day ago

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Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Armah Kofi-Buah (MP), has issued a stark warning about the rapid
destruction of the country’s forest reserves and water bodies due to illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Speaking before Parliament on Wednesday 19th February 2025,, the minister described the situation as a “national emergency” that
demands immediate and collective action.

“Our forests and water bodies are under unprecedented threat,” he declared. “Illegal mining has reached crisis proportions,
with devastating consequences for national security, public health, and the environment.”

The minister revealed that out of Ghana’s 288 designated forest reserves, 44 have been significantly impacted by illegal mining, with over 5,000 hectares of land—equivalent to approximately 7,500 football fields—completely destroyed. The most affected regions include Ashanti, Western, and Western North.

In addition to deforestation, illegal miners have targeted key water bodies, particularly those within the South-Western Basin System, which includes the Ankobra, Pra, Tano, and Bia rivers. According to the Ghana Water Company, pollution levels in these water systems have skyrocketed.

While normal turbidity levels for potable water should not exceed 500 NTU, some of these rivers now register between 5,000 and 12,000 NTU, forcing the shutdown of treatment plants in places like Tarkwa. “The pollution is not just about sediment,” the minister warned.

“These rivers are being poisoned with mercury, cyanide, and
hydrocarbons, posing serious health risks to millions of Ghanaians.”
He highlighted that In line with President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Ghana agenda, the government has announced
several short- and long-term strategies to combat the crisis:

Immediate Crackdown on River Pollution: The government is set to deploy River Guards under the newly launched Blue
Water Initiative to remove illegal mining activities from water bodies.

Strengthening Stakeholder Engagement: A coalition of traditional authorities, civil society groups, law enforcement agencies,
and government regulators will work together to reinforce laws and deter illegal miners.

Policy Reforms in the Mining Sector: A newly formed Working Committee of Experts is reviewing the country’s mining laws and licensing system, with recommendations expected by the end of February.

Revocation of LI 2462: The government is considering repealing the existing law that governs small-scale mining to introduce
stricter regulations, especially for ecologically sensitive areas.

Reforestation and Sustainable Livelihoods: The Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes and create alternative economic opportunities for communities dependent on galamsey.

The minister urged Parliament and all Ghanaians to join the fight against illegal mining, emphasizing that it is not just a
government battle but a collective responsibility.

“We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to safeguard our environment,” he stated passionately. “The time
to act is now. Together, we can and must prevail

”Ghana’s forests and water bodies have long been vital to its economic and ecological well-being. However, the unchecked
expansion of illegal mining threatens to undo decades of progress.

With the government’s renewed commitment and the
backing of Parliament, many are hopeful that the tide can be turned in this battle against environmental destruction.