The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining in the country.
He stated that the incumbent government is deeply committed to protecting the country’s forest reserves and water bodies to safeguard the environment.
Mr. Buah expressed this during a high-level meeting with the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey on Friday, 27th June 2025.
The meeting, convened at the directive of President John Dramani Mahama, followed a petition submitted by the Coalition urging more decisive action against the illegal mining menace.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister said, “We are deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable mining practices.”
He cited notable achievements, including the recovery of eight out of nine forest reserves that were previously under threat from illegal mining.
The Minister also highlighted new government initiatives, such as:
The Blue Water Guards, a specialized task force protecting water bodies.
The Tree for Life Restoration Initiative, aimed at land reclamation and reforestation.
The decentralisation of the licensing regime, among others.
The Coalition commended the Minister for his efforts and dedication to the cause of sustainable mining in Ghana and pledged their unwavering support to help eradicate the menace of illegal mining.
A key focus of the discussion was the newly established National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS)—a centralized body designed to coordinate and streamline enforcement among various national security agencies.
Commenting on NAIMOS, the Minister emphasized that it is ready to enhance intelligence-sharing and operational efficiency on the ground.
Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Coalition, applauded the initiative and pledged the Coalition’s readiness to collaborate and support NAIMOS in the fight against illegal mining.
During the engagement, the Coalition submitted several demands, including:
Revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2162), deemed counterproductive to anti-galamsey efforts.
Publication of the names of owners of seized excavators to promote transparency.
Declaration of a state of emergency in select critical illegal mining areas.
Prosecution of foreign nationals.
