Accra, Ghana – Lands and Natural Resources Minister-Designate Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has announced a comprehensive plan to address the environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities in Ghana.
Dubbed the “Blue Water Initiative,” this project aims to rehabilitate polluted water bodies and transform affected areas into hubs of economic and ecological recovery.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Mr. Buah highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” on Ghana’s environment. He emphasized the urgent need for sustainable initiatives to restore the country’s natural resources.
“We have some initiatives that will help us heal the wounds of our country,” Mr. Buah stated. “Our forest, which is the heart of our survival, has been completely damaged and devastated. The Blue Water Initiative seeks to heal and harness the areas degraded by illegal mining into hubs of economic and ecological recovery.”
In addition to the Blue Water Initiative, Mr. Buah announced the “Tree for Life Initiative,” which will focus on afforestation and reforestation efforts to restore Ghana’s depleted forest cover.
“We are also going to do Tree for Life Initiative by intensifying afforestation and we will encourage afforestation across Ghana,” the Minister-Designate added.
Illegal mining has had a devastating impact on Ghana’s environment, polluting water bodies and destroying vast areas of forest. The government’s commitment to addressing these environmental challenges through initiatives like the Blue Water Initiative and the Tree for Life Initiative is a crucial step towards environmental sustainability.
