Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has revealed that illegal miners have seized control of nine forest reserves in Ghana, effectively barring the Forestry Commission from access.
He painted a grim picture of the ongoing struggle against illegal mining (galamsey), emphasizing the severe damage being inflicted on the nation’s lands and natural resources.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 19, the Minister described the situation as a “crisis,” stating, “Over nine out of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by these illegal mining thugs with impunity. The Forestry Commission no longer has access to these forest reserves.”
He attributed the unprecedented threat to forest resources and water bodies to illegal small-scale mining activities.
Despite the severity of the situation, the Minister reaffirmed the new government’s commitment to combating illegal mining, pledging to intensify efforts to address the issue.
