Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for a complete overhaul of Ghana’s mining licensing system, emphasizing the urgent need to curb illegal and unregulated mining, which continues to wreak havoc on the country’s environment.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, March 22, the minister stressed that the licensing process must begin at the grassroots level. He revealed plans to establish District Community Licenses Committees under the supervision of the District Security Council (DISEC) to bring more structure and accountability to the sector.

Addressing the environmental crisis, Mr. Buah cited disturbing findings from the Water Resources Commission and the Forestry Commission, which highlight the severe impact of mining on Ghana’s forests and water bodies.

He disclosed that water treatment levels, which should ideally stand at 500, have alarmingly risen to between 5,000 and 12,000, making purification efforts nearly impossible. Furthermore, 44 out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves have been completely destroyed, with nine classified as critically endangered.

"We must completely reform the licensing regime and strengthen law enforcement. This requires political will and leadership, and I am very clear in my mind about the support and commitment of President John Mahama. He has given me clear instructions—this fight must be won for the people of Ghana, for our forests, our water bodies, and our future," the minister declared.

Emphasizing the collective responsibility in protecting Ghana’s natural resources, Mr. Buah called for national engagement and public education.

"This fight is not just for the Ministry of Lands or the government alone; it is for the people of Ghana. There must be areas we collectively agree are no-go zones—not our water bodies, not our forests, because these are the sources of life," he stated.

To address the economic reliance on small-scale mining, the minister outlined key initiatives such as the "Tree for Life" program and other alternative livelihood projects focused on sustainable land use and youth empowerment. He also highlighted the importance of aggressive land reclamation and reforestation efforts to restore damaged ecosystems.