Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to intensifying the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a bold move to curb environmental destruction, the minister announced the seizure of fifteen excavators from illegal miners, which will now be repurposed for road construction across the country.

Addressing the media after a fact-finding mission to the Shelter Belt Forest Reserve on Saturday, February 22, Mr Buah emphasized that the government’s crackdown on illegal mining would be “relentless, retributive, fair, and firm.” The operation, executed in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Interior, revealed the alarming extent of environmental degradation caused by galamsey operations.

“With the unwavering support of my colleagues, the Defence Minister, Dr. Omane Boamah, Interior Minister, Hon. Mutaka, and Dr. Frank Amoakohene, we deployed the military to the forests to clamp down on these illegal operations,” Hon. Buah stated.

The operation uncovered that illegal mining activities had devastated 30 hectares of land in the Shelter Belt Forest Reserve alone. Nationwide, approximately 5,000 hectares—equivalent to 7,500 football fields—have been lost to illegal mining in forest reserves.

Highlighting the scale of the problem, the minister declared, “This situation cannot be allowed to continue as it poses an existential threat to Ghanaians.” He confirmed receiving authorization from President John Dramani Mahama to intensify efforts to root out illegal miners from the affected sites.

Rather than decommissioning or burning the seized equipment, the government intends to take a more constructive approach by using the confiscated excavators for road construction. “H.E John Dramani Mahama’s government will not decommission or burn excavators seized at galamsey sites but instead use them for road construction across the country, which I believe is a more purposeful and innovative approach,” Buah noted.

The minister also stressed that this was just the beginning of a larger, sustained effort. “This, however, is not the end. Investigations are ongoing, and we are working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. This is not an exercise in futility. We are resolute in our mission. We will not rest until those responsible for this environmental carnage are held accountable, including their accomplices.”

The recent operation has already led to significant breakthroughs, including the arrest of 15 individuals—7 Chinese nationals and 8 Ghanaians—along the Ankobra River. Hon. Buah emphasized the need for nationwide collaboration, calling on Ghanaians to support the government’s mission to eradicate illegal mining.

“As I have stated before, and I reiterate today, we will not relent in this fight. This is a battle for all of us—every Ghanaian who values our environment, our health, and our future. I urge all well-meaning Ghanaians to join us in this critical fight. Together, we can win this war,” he urged.

The Lands Minister also condemned a recent attack on Citi FM journalists, denouncing any violence against members of the press as unacceptable.

In support of the ongoing campaign, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, commended Hon. Buah for taking an active role in the field, noting that his hands-on approach reflects the government’s determination to win the fight against galamsey.

“The government is committed to leaving no stone unturned in the battle to protect our rivers and forest reserves,” Dr. Amoakohene affirmed.