The government says it has intensified enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in forest reserves, resulting in the arrest of 258 suspects and the seizure and destruction of several mining equipment in the last six months.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, disclosed that the operations were carried out by the Ministry in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders as part of efforts to protect Ghana’s forest reserves from illegal mining.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency, the Minister said the crackdown had led to the seizure of 1,225 pumping machines and the demobilisation of 765 changfan machines used in illegal mining activities.
He added that 212 motorbikes were seized, while 430 gold detectors and other equipment were confiscated during the operations.
According to him, authorities also destroyed 35 tricycles and other structures linked to illegal mining activities within forest reserves.
“In our determination to protect our forests from illegal mining activities, the Ministry, working closely with the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders, intensified enforcement operations within forest reserves,” Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah said.
The Minister stressed that the achievements demonstrate government’s commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s forest resources and ensuring that illegal miners do not destroy protected areas.
He further announced that there are currently no “red zones” within the forest reserves, indicating that government has gained control of areas previously affected by illegal mining.
“I’m happy to tell you today I’m not here to tell you about red zones because we have not had any red zones, which means that government, supporting the Forestry Commission, is firmly in control of our forests,” he said.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah assured that the government would continue working with relevant stakeholders to protect Ghana’s forests and restore degraded landscapes.
