The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has admitted that the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is a highly challenging one.
However, he assured that the government remains resolutely determined to win the war against the environmental menace.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, the Minister described illegal mining as one of Ghana’s gravest environmental threats. He stressed that the government is fully committed to restoring degraded lands, protecting forest reserves, and reclaiming heavily polluted water bodies.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah acknowledged that the sheer scale of illegal mining across the country has made the fight highly complex.
Despite this, he noted that authorities are aggressively intensifying operations through closer collaboration with state institutions, security agencies, and local communities.
According to him, safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources is a non-negotiable national responsibility, emphasizing that future generations deserve to inherit clean rivers, thriving forests, and sustainably managed mineral wealth.
‘The Era of Impunity is Over’
Addressing the public, the Minister delivered a stern warning to those involved in the destruction of the environment:”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, and our mineral wealth is a sacred inheritance that we have a duty to protect.
“The era of impunity is over, and the government will continue to pursue everyone who profits from the destruction of our environment.”
Striking a defiant note, Mr Buah concluded by rally-calling the nation to stand firm in the fight.
“The battle against illegal mining is difficult, but the Ghanaian spirit is stronger. We will not retreat, we will not relent, and we will not surrender. We shall reclaim our rivers, restore our forests, protect our natural wealth, and secure a greener, stronger, and more prosperous Ghana for posterity.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
