Armah Buah Asks: GH¢6.2bn Worth Of Excavators Imported To Ghana For What?

Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah is the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. He recently revealed that Ghana imported excavators worth GH¢6.2 billion last year.

During a press conference in Accra, he questioned why so many excavators were imported. He suggested they might be intended for illegal mining activities.

Buah called on the media to help combat illegal mining. This activity is harming the country’s vegetation cover. The meeting aimed to address the complex issue of illegal mining and encourage media participation.

The meeting coincided with reports of an attack on Forestry Commission officers. Buah noted this incident highlights the seriousness of the problem. It shows the need for decisive measures to tackle illegal mining.

On March 24, 2025, Buah discussed the galamsey situation inherited from the Mahama government. He mentioned that nine forest reserves were under control of illegal miners at that time.

He also shared alarming statistics about water quality. The turbidity levels treated by Ghana Water Company Limited ranged from 5,000 to 12,000 NTU due to illegal mining activities.

Buah outlined his government's policy measures against galamsey. These measures focus on five key principles: enforcing laws, overhauling structures, engaging stakeholders, using technology, and raising public awareness.

He pointed out that the licensing process in small-scale mining contributes to galamsey issues. Centralizing this process excludes traditional rulers and local executives from oversight roles.

To address this, the NDC government plans to decentralize licensing approvals. Traditional rulers and District Security Councils will now have a say in granting licenses.

Buah emphasized several actions being taken: strengthening enforcement with law enforcement agencies, making structural changes in leadership at mining sites, and collaborating with military forces.

He expressed concern about past efforts where military presence was lacking since 2022. Engaging chiefs as stakeholders is also part of their strategy.

The Ministry has established a technology sector for monitoring illegal activities. This technology allows them to track excavators' movements within designated areas effectively.

Buah urged media professionals to remain objective in reporting on illegal mining issues. He stressed avoiding politicization and encouraged support for government efforts against galamsey.

Media practitioners praised Buah's engagement and promised to amplify anti-illegal mining messages through their platforms.