Illegal mining, commonly referred to as "galamsey," has long been a critical challenge in Ghana, threatening the nation’s environment, water bodies, and forest reserves. Under the leadership of President John Mahama, the current administration has intensified efforts to tackle this issue, demonstrating a firm commitment to reversing the damage caused by years of unregulated mining activities.
During a television interview with GTV on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the government’s accomplishments and ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining. He stressed that the Mahama-led administration has implemented a stronger and more effective strategy compared to the previous government under President Akufo-Addo.
Arrests and Equipment Seizures: A Marked Improvement
One of the key indicators of progress in the fight against galamsey has been the increased number of arrests and equipment seizures. Mr. Buah revealed that in less than eight months, the current administration has made over 1,400 arrests related to illegal mining activities—almost double the 800 arrests recorded over three years under the previous government. Additionally, 440 excavators and more than 800 changfans (machines used for mining) have been confiscated. Some of this equipment has been repurposed for state use, including projects under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
These actions form part of a broader set of interventions coordinated through the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS). This initiative involves key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Local Government, the Attorney-General’s Department, and other agencies working collaboratively to enforce mining regulations and combat illegal activities.
Policy Reforms and Legislative Changes
The government has also prioritized policy reforms to address systemic gaps in the regulation of small-scale mining. Mr. Buah announced plans to repeal Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2501, which amended L.I. 2462. He noted that the Attorney-General is prepared to take swift action once Parliament reconvenes. This legislative change aims to strengthen reforms in the small-scale mining sector while supporting other interventions such as declaring water bodies and forest reserves as national security zones, enforcing stricter mining regulations, and expanding reclamation programs.
Significantly, Mr. Buah stressed that no new mining leases have been issued for forest reserves under the current administration. He clarified that all existing leases were granted by the previous government, highlighting the administration’s focus on halting environmental degradation rather than exacerbating it.
Environmental Restoration: The Tree for Life Initiative
Beyond enforcement and legislative measures, the government is making strides in environmental restoration through initiatives such as the Tree for Life program. Initially targeting the planting of 30 million trees in 2025, this initiative has now doubled its goal to 60 million seedlings with support from private sector partners. Mr. Buah described this effort as a critical component of Ghana’s broader strategy to restore degraded lands and combat climate change.
Declaring Water Bodies and Forest Reserves as National Security Zones
In a bold move to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources, President Mahama has declared all water bodies and forest reserves as national security zones. Permanent military deployments are planned to protect these areas from illegal mining activities. While some stakeholders have called for a state of emergency, Mr. Buah maintained that the government’s current strategy is yielding results and will be strengthened as necessary.
A Call to Action: Collective Responsibility
Acknowledging that reversing years of environmental devastation cannot be achieved overnight, Mr. Buah called on chiefs, community leaders, and citizens to support the government’s efforts. He warned that illegal mining is destroying “the soul of our country” by polluting rivers and degrading forests. The Minister emphasized that while progress has been made, sustained collective action is essential to protect Ghana’s natural heritage for future generations.
Conclusion
The fight against illegal mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges. Under President Mahama’s leadership, significant strides have been made in enforcement, policy reforms, environmental restoration, and public awareness. The government’s commitment to addressing this crisis is evident in its actions and strategies. However, lasting success will require collaboration across all levels of society.
As Ghana continues to grapple with this complex issue, one thing is clear: preserving our environment is not just a governmental responsibility; it is a national imperative. Let us all play our part in safeguarding our rivers, forests, and ecosystems for generations yet unborn.
-GTV
Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
