Source: Africa Publicity
Ghana’s government has launched a bold initiative to reclaim its forest reserves and protect its water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal gold mining, also known as galamsey. Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, has issued a stern warning to illegal miners, stating that the government’s efforts to eradicate galamsey will be relentless, retributive, fair, and firm.
The government’s goals are threefold: to reclaim lost forest reserves, restore the quality of water bodies damaged by galamsey activities, and protect biodiversity. Until these goals are achieved, the government will not relent in its efforts ¹.
A recent operation in collaboration with the Ministries of Defence and Interior successfully rescued the Shelter Belt Forest Reserve, with 30 hectares of land having been consumed by illegal mining activities. Shockingly, Ghana has lost approximately 5,000 hectares (7,500 football fields worth of land) to illegal mining operations in forest reserves.
The government has seized 15 excavators, which will be repurposed for road construction, a move seen as a more innovative and purposeful approach. Investigations are ongoing, and the government is working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service to bring perpetrators to justice.
The fight against galamsey is a collective effort, and the government is urging all Ghanaians to join forces to protect the country’s environment, health, and future. As Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah emphasized, “This is a battle for all of us—every Ghanaian who values our environment, our health, and our future.”
Have a press release, feature, article for publication? Send it to us via Whatsapp on +233543452542.
