Ghana has lost more than 5,500 hectares of forest reserves to illegal mining, according to Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
The Minister described the destruction as disturbing and a direct threat to the country’s environmental future.
He disclosed that nationals from neighbouring Burkina Faso and Togo are among those fueling the degradation of Ghana’s forest belts.
Mr. Buah made these remarks in Bibiani, Western North Region, where he officially launched the Cooperative Responsible Mining and Skills Training Programme at the Minerals Commission office.
He explained that some forest zones classified as highly restricted areas had been taken over by illegal miners until the Anti-Galamsey Task Force intervened. Although most of the operators have been driven out, he said “some continue to make attempts to return. the military, however, is on standby to clamp down on such activities.
The Minister further indicated that “” the government has embarked on a land restoration programme introduced by President John Dramani Mahama.”
The project aims to secure funds for replanting trees and rehabilitating destroyed forest reserves.
He also highlighted the Tree for Life initiative, which seeks to protect existing forests and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Mr. Buah stressed that “the fight against illegal mining should not be reduced to a political contest between the NPP and the NDC.” Instead, he said, it is a collective national responsibility, calling on traditional rulers and citizens to support efforts to stop galamsey.
