The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has expressed serious concerns about illegal mining in the country, referring to galamsey operators as "terrorists" due to the dangerous threat they pose to the well-being of Ghanaians.

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“We can't allow a few people to make money at the expense of millions of Ghanaians and kill us, we must now begin to see them as dangerous terrorists who are killing us,” he said during a press briefing on Thursday, April 3.

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The Minister emphasized the urgency of a unified national response to address the devastating effects of illegal mining. His statement highlights the long-standing problem of galamsey, which has been causing significant environmental and social damage.

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“You cannot have a country where your water systems are so polluted that the turbidity levels are 5,000 to 12,000 when it should be 500, it means we are drinking poison,” Buah remarked, further underscoring the gravity of the issue.

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Mr Buah reiterated that the government is fully committed to combating illegal mining, using all available resources to protect the nation's forests, water bodies, and farmlands from further destruction.

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He also assured that the government is ready to support small-scale miners who wish to operate legally, encouraging them to follow the proper procedures for obtaining licenses and engaging in responsible, sustainable mining practices.

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“If anybody wants to do genuine small-scale mining, this government is committed to guiding them, giving them licenses, and guiding them on the path of doing small-scale mining in a more responsible and sustainable manner,” he said.

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Concluding his remarks, Buah called for a collective effort from all Ghanaians to help address the galamsey crisis, stating, “This is what must be a collective fight.”

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