The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that over 5,500 hectares of forest reserves have been destroyed by illegal mining activities, popularly known as galamsey, across the country.
He has described the situation as alarming and a major threat to Ghana’s environmental sustainability.
According to the Minister, foreign nationals, particularly from Burkina Faso and Togo, have been actively involved in the destruction of Ghana’s forest reserves.
Mr. Buah made these remarks when he launched the Cooperative Responsible Mining and Skills Tra ining Programme at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai municipality of the Western North Region on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at the Minerals Commission office at Bibiani.
He revealed that these areas, classified as red zones, were being taken over until the intervention of the Anti-Galamsey Task Force, which has managed to drive out many of the illegal operators. He added that although some still attempt to return, the military is on high alert to flush them out.
Mr. Buah further noted that government has initiated a reclamation project, launched by President John Dramani Mahama, to restore degraded lands. The programme seeks funding to replant trees and revive the damaged forest reserves.
He emphasised that restoring the country’s forest cover remains a priority in the fight against illegal mining.
Highlighting government’s policies to protect the environment, the minister mentioned the “Tree for Life” initiative, which he said is aimed at safeguarding forests and promoting sustainable environmental practices nationwide.
He stressed that the fight against illegal mining is not a partisan issue between the NPP and the NDC, but rather a collective responsibility for all Ghanaians. He called on traditional leaders and citizens across the country to support government’s efforts to curb the menace of galamsey.
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