The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to combat illegal mining (galamsey) across Ghana. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Tuesday, the Minister admitted that while the challenge is formidable, the administration is determined to win the battle.
“This is a marathon, not a sprint,” the Minister emphasized. “With the political will and the full backing of President John Dramani Mahama, we will turn our water bodies blue, our forests green, and restore our environment for future generations.”
Overhauling Mining Laws for Sustainable Growth
A key strategy in the government’s anti-galamsey efforts involves reforming the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and the Minerals and Mining Policy (2014). According to Minister Buah, the review is already 85% complete and will introduce the following changes:
Shorter validity periods for mining leases
No automatic renewals without meeting legal obligations
New licenses for medium-scale mining operations
Mandatory community development agreements with local revenue sharing
Elimination of long-term development agreements unless critically necessary
“We are not against mining,” the Minister said. “But it must be responsible and sustainable.”
Galamsey Crackdown: Arrests and Equipment Seizures Surge
The Ministry’s recent crackdown efforts include:
1,345 arrests
425 excavators seized, including 177 from forest reserves
Hundreds of bulldozers, changfangs, and pumping machines confiscated
Additionally, 55 small-scale mining licenses issued during the transitional period of the previous administration have been revoked, and over 907 licenses are under scrutiny.
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To coordinate these nationwide actions, the government has launched the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
Technology for Transparency: Real-Time Equipment Tracking
The Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Software is currently being piloted, allowing real-time monitoring of 191 excavators. Over 1,200 machines imported since 2021 are undergoing clearance validation at Tema Port under L.I. 2404, which mandates equipment registration and GPS tracking.
Blue Water Initiative: 980 Trained Guards and Rising
In a bid to protect water bodies, 450 Blue Water Guards have already been deployed, with 530 more completing training by July 25, 2025. These officers serve as intelligence agents within affected communities to raise awareness and prevent water pollution caused by galamsey.
The initiative’s second phase will focus on de-chemicalising polluted rivers and restoring aquatic ecosystems.
Reclaiming Forests & Promoting Eco-Tourism
Galamsey and illegal logging have decimated over 5,500 hectares of protected forests. However, all nine red-zoned reserves have now been reclaimed. Through the Tree for Life Initiative, 7.6 million trees have been planted as of mid-July, with a target of 30 million by year-end.
The Ministry is also reviewing private sector proposals to transform reserves like Digya National Park and Shai Hills into major eco-tourism hubs.
Land and Resource Governance
As part of President Mahama’s Reset Ghana Agenda, land services are being decentralized to 90 districts nationwide. A new Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS) is in development to reduce land fraud and increase processing speed.
A legislative instrument to operationalize the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) is under final review.
Mineral Exploration and Industrial Expansion
The Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) is conducting seismic and geothermal studies and supporting small-scale miners with data access. Ghana’s clay deposits are also being mapped to support the ceramics and cement industry.
Through the Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation (GIISDEC), licenses have been granted for exploration of Sheini, Gyamurume, and Pudo iron ore deposits. The Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) is awaiting parliamentary approval for six new bauxite leases, with plans for railway expansion and Takoradi Port upgrades.
“We Draw a Line in the Sand”
In closing, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah issued a rallying call:
“We draw a line in the sand. This is a fight for the soul of our country. We will resist reckless mining in all its forms, and with your help, we will prevail.”
