Lands Minister Issues Stern Warning to Bigwigs Behind Galamsey

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon Kofi Armah Buah has emphasized that attempts by bigwigs sponsoring illegal mining across the country to frustrate law enforcement processes will not materialize.

Speaking at a press conference on April 3, 2025, he said the influence of such individuals to cause the release of the culprits will not be countenanced any longer.

“I want to take the opportunity to sound a note of caution to those involved in this illegal mining enterprise, and their faceless collaborators hiding behind political colouration and influence, that any attempts to make calls and overtures to intercede for their notorious culprits, will not succeed.”

Seizures
Since the commencement of the radical fight against illegal mining in January, Hon Armah Buah said, 100 excavators, three bulldozers and four vehicles had been seized from miners in five forest districts.

The forest districts include Nkawie, Bibiani, Enchi, Sefwi Wiawso and Juaboso.

He also indicated that arrests have taken place without providing statistics.

Update on Forest Reserves
The Minister reported at the beginning of 2025, nine (9) forest reserves were classified as “no-go” zones due to the dominance of armed illegal miners who blocked access routes and prevented Forestry Commission officials from performing their duties.

However, he said two of the nine remain under the control of thugs.

“Through sustained joint operations, seven (7) of these reserves have now been reclaimed, although the armed gangs have tried re-entering the forests. As a result, we have had exchanges between these bandits and the Forestry Commission, resulting in a near-fatal assault on one of the Forestry Commission personnel.”

According to him, the reclaimed reserves include: Jimira & Jimira Extension, Afao Hills, Tano Anwia, Ofin Shelterbeit, Anhwiaso East & Anhwiaso South & Subri.

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to reclaim the remaining two (2) reserves – Asenayo & Desiri, he said.

Measures
The Minister also outlined measures the government was taking to beef up the fights including  Geological investigations of mineralized areas; Geotagging and geofencing of excavators that come into the country and the existing ones already deployed nationwide; and Education Campaigns in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and NCCE to integrate environmental awareness into the school curricula and public messaging.

He also outlined the Intensification of public awareness campaigns; Exploration of other avenues of financial support for the reclamation of degraded and mined-out areas; Review of Mineral and Mining Policy to incorporate policy reforms aimed at decentralizing the licensing regime, beginning at the district level, with a focus on transparency and community involvement; and Decentralization of Licensing: District-level vetting by DISECs and mining committees to reduce corruption and delays.

Commitment
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to use legal means to eradicate illegal mining.

“His Excellency the President remains fully committed to his pledge to eradicate the illegal mining menace, and as sector Minister, I shall carry through this responsibility to the latter, no matter whose ox is gored… I wish to reiterate that the mandate given me by the President is clear: wipe out Galamsey through any lawful means necessary and I intend to do exactly.”

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini