Illegal mining has seized control of nine forest reserves in Ghana, blocking the Forestry Commission from accessing these protected areas. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah revealed on Tuesday, February 19.
Addressing Parliament, Buah described the situation as a national crisis. He warned that illegal miners, known locally as galamseyers, pose a severe threat to the country’s forests and water bodies.
“Ghana is currently faced with an unprecedented threat to our forest resources and water bodies due largely to illegal small-scale mining activities. This situation has assumed crisis proportions,” Buah told Parliament.
He disclosed that illegal miners have overrun more than nine out of Ghana’s 44 forest reserves, operating with impunity and denying Forestry Commission officials access to these protected areas.
Despite the alarming situation, Buah assured lawmakers that the government remains resolute in its fight against illegal mining. He pledged decisive action to reclaim the nation’s forests and safeguard its natural resources.
