The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, has set up an 18-member committee to develop a comprehensive blueprint for reforming and streamlining Ghana’s mining sector.

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The committee, chaired by Professor Oteng Ababio of the University of Ghana, has been given two weeks to formulate strategies aimed at addressing illegal mining, improving regulatory oversight, and restoring Ghana’s degraded forest and water resources.

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As part of its mandate, the committee will review the licensing regime for mining operations, assess activities in forest reserves, propose ways to eliminate mining in water bodies, and recommend solutions to long-standing challenges in the sector.

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Speaking at the inauguration, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the critical role of the mining industry in Ghana’s economic development. He emphasized that curbing illegal activities and ensuring proper regulation would maximize the sector’s benefits.

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He lamented the extensive environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, revealing that 44 out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves—approximately 15%—have suffered severe degradation due to galamsey operations.

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Referencing data from institutions in the water and resources sector, Hon. Buah warned that Ghana’s water supply is nearing toxic levels, stressing the urgency of decisive intervention.

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"H.E. President John Dramani Mahama made a commitment to Ghanaians to restore the color and quality of the country’s water bodies to their natural status and also restore the forest reserves, and he is bent on delivering on the commitment to Ghanaians."

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Expressing confidence in the committee’s ability to deliver, he commended its members for their expertise and urged them to dedicate their time and resources to producing an effective blueprint for the mining sector’s transformation.

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Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, acknowledged the complexity of illegal mining and its devastating effects. He stressed that tackling the issue requires a multi-pronged approach involving key stakeholders.

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"The challenge facing the country in the fight against illegal mining and the mission to protect Ghana’s forest and water bodies is a multifaceted one, which requires a multifaceted approach," he stated.

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He added that through collective efforts, Ghana—under President Mahama’s leadership—would overcome the galamsey crisis.

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Nana Agyeman Badu II, Dormaahene and a representative of the National House of Chiefs on the committee, lauded the government’s efforts and pledged the support of traditional leaders in the fight against illegal mining.

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He also assured that the committee would receive full backing from the ministries to ensure its effectiveness.

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Committee Chairman, Professor Oteng Ababio, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and assured the ministers of their commitment to delivering results within the stipulated timeframe.

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The committee is made up of experts from the offices of;

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The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice,

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Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology,

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Forestry Commission

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Environmental Protection Agency

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Minerals Commission

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Centre for Extractive Development – Africa (CEDA) representing Civil Society

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Ghana Chamber of Mines

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Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners

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Water Resources Commission

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The Ghana Armed Forces

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The Ghana Police Service

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National House of Chiefs

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Lands Commission

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Ghana Geological Survey Authority

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Technical Directors of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources – Mines, Forestry and Lands

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