No safe haven for illegal miners - Minister declares  - Ghana Business News

**Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah – Minister of Lands and Natural Resources**

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to ending illegal small-scale mining. He vowed to use every lawful means to tackle this issue.

During a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Buah updated the public on government measures against galamsey. He outlined a five-pillar strategy aimed at combating illegal mining. This includes reforming the licensing system for transparency and accountability.

The strategy also focuses on strengthening law enforcement. The government plans to intensify crackdowns on illegal operations and prosecute offenders. Additionally, they will enhance stakeholder engagement with traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society for sustainable mining.

Mr. Buah noted that the government had 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 & South, and Subri.

Efforts are ongoing to reclaim the remaining two reserves: Asenayo and Desiri. Mr. Buah mentioned joint military-forestry operations that seized 100 excavators, three bulldozers, and four vehicles.

The Ministry is also conducting geological surveys of mineral-rich areas through the Ghana Geological Survey Authority. They are geotagging and geofencing excavators to monitor their usage.

Public education campaigns on environmental protection have been intensified as well. The integration of environmental preservation into school curricula is also underway.

The government aims to decentralize mining licenses for improved transparency and reduced corruption. Mr. Buah urged traditional leaders, local assemblies, and civil society to support efforts against illegal mining.

“We must safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations,” he emphasized.