The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has unveiled a bold new strategy to combat illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana.
The initiative places traditional leaders and local government officials at the forefront of the national effort, decentralizing the fight against this menace.
Speaking at an orientation session for newly appointed Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) on June 18, 2025, the Minister emphasized that traditional leaders and local authorities will assume direct oversight responsibility in monitoring and managing mining operations within their respective jurisdictions. “Chiefs and MMDCEs will play a crucial role in fighting galamsey,” Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah stated.
The move comes in response to the alarming degradation of Ghana’s environment, with an estimated 16 percent of the country’s land reserves already destroyed due to illegal mining. The Minister outlined a bottom-up approach that will empower local stakeholders in key decision-making processes, including the issuance of mining licenses. By involving those closest to the affected communities, the government aims to improve enforcement, accountability, and community ownership of natural resource management.
The new policy is a multi-faceted response to the galamsey crisis, which includes:
Reclaiming and restoring degraded lands
Providing alternative livelihoods for affected communities
Reforming mining licenses and regulatory procedures
Strengthening law enforcement
Expanding public education and stakeholder engagement
The Minister issued a stern warning to MMDCEs, urging them to show unwavering commitment to the initiative and cautioning that any official found to be complicit in illegal mining will face the full force of the law. “The Ministry will support you fully,” he said. “But we will not tolerate compromise.
This is a national emergency, and we must act with urgency to safeguard our environment and secure our future.” With this new strategy, Ghana is poised to take a significant step towards protecting its natural resources and promoting sustainable development.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
