The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has admitted that the government faces significant challenges in its efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, but insisted that the fight remaians a top priority.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, the minister described illegal mining as one of Ghana’s most serious environmental threats, pledging that the government would continue efforts to restore degraded lands, protect forests and reclaim polluted water bodies.
He acknowledged that tackling galamsey has been difficult due to the widespread nature of illegal mining activities across the country. However, he said government is strengthening collaboration among state agencies, security institutions and local communities to address the problem.
According to Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, protecting Ghana’s natural resources is a collective national responsibility, adding that future generations must inherit a country with healthy rivers, preserved forests and sustainably managed mineral resources.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has admitted that the government faces significant challenges in its efforts to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, but insisted that the fight remaians a top priority.Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, the minister described illegal mining as one of Ghana’s most serious environmental threats, pledging that the government would continue efforts to restore degraded lands, protect forests and reclaim polluted water bodies.
He acknowledged that tackling galamsey has been difficult due to the widespread nature of illegal mining activities across the country. However, he said government is strengthening collaboration among state agencies, security institutions and local communities to address the problem.
According to Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, protecting Ghana’s natural resources is a collective national responsibility, adding that future generations must inherit a country with healthy rivers, preserved forests and sustainably managed mineral resources.
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He warned that individuals and groups engaged in activities that damage the environment would continue to face action, stressing that the period of impunity for illegal miners is over.
“The fight against illegal mining is a defining environmental battle that our generation must fight. Our rivers are not for sale, our forests are not expendable, our mineral wealth is a sacred inheritance that we have a duty to protect,” he said.
The minister added that although the battle against galamsey is challenging, the government remains determined not to relent in its efforts to restore the country’s natural resources.
“We will not retreat, we will not relent and we will not surrender, but we shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth and secure a greener, stronger and more prosperous Ghana for posterity,” he stated.
He warned that individuals and groups engaged in activities that damage the environment would continue to face action, stressing that the period of impunity for illegal miners is over.
“The fight against illegal mining is a defining environmental battle that our generation must fight. Our rivers are not for sale, our forests are not expendable, our mineral wealth is a sacred inheritance that we have a duty to protect,” he said.
The minister added that although the battle against galamsey is challenging, the government remains determined not to relent in its efforts to restore the country’s natural resources.
“We will not retreat, we will not relent and we will not surrender, but we shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth and secure a greener, stronger and more prosperous Ghana for posterity,” he stated.
