The Government of Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating illegal mining, with the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, MP, vowing to use all lawful means to combat the menace.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, April 3, 2025, the Minister outlined a five-pillar strategy to tackle illegal mining:
• Reforming the Licensing Regime – Ensuring transparency and accountability in mining permits.
• Strengthening Law Enforcement – Intensifying crackdowns on illegal operations and prosecuting offenders.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration – Partnering with traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society to promote sustainable mining.
• Reclamation of Degraded Lands – Restoring mined-out areas and enforcing responsible mining practices.
• Alternative Livelihoods for Mining Communities – Supporting affected communities with sustainable income sources.
Significant Progress Made
The government has reclaimed seven out of nine forest reserves previously controlled by armed illegal miners. The recovered reserves include: Jimira & Jimira Extension, Afao Hills, Tano Anwia, Ofin Shelterbelt, Anhwiaso East & Anhwiaso South, and Subri.
Efforts are underway to reclaim the remaining two reserves: Asenayo and Desiri.
Ongoing and Future Measures
• Joint military-forestry operations have led to 100 excavators, 3 bulldozers, and 4 vehicles seized.
• Geological surveys of mineral-rich areas will be conducted.
• Geotagging and geofencing of excavators to monitor their use.
• Public education campaigns on environmental protection, integrated into school curricula.
• Decentralization of mining licenses to improve transparency and reduce corruption.
Call for National Support
Armah-Kofi Buah urged traditional leaders, local assemblies, and civil society to support the fight against illegal mining. “We must safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations,” he emphasized.