The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has dismissed proposals to declare a state of emergency over the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Buah acknowledged that while the issue is a serious one, the government is focused on rolling out practical solutions under a national emergency response framework, rather than formally declaring a state of emergency.
His comments come amid renewed public discourse on the devastating impact of galamsey on the environment, water bodies, and the health of communities in affected mining areas.
There have been widespread calls for decisive action, including the deployment of security forces and the closure of heavily impacted sites.
Several groups have also urged the government to fulfil its campaign promise to eradicate illegal mining—a commitment made ahead of the 2024 general elections.
The Minister, however, indicated that the government is pursuing strategic reforms, including a complete overhaul of the mining licensing regime to make it more transparent and efficient. He believes these measures will encourage illegal miners to regularise their operations.
Mr. Buah further emphasised the need for a practical, community-based approach, highlighting ongoing government initiatives such as public sensitisation, stakeholder engagement, and the “Tree for Life” project aimed at restoring degraded forest lands.
Source: Kwame Anum
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