Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, says the government has successfully reclaimed all forest reserves previously occupied by illegal miners, declaring that no forest reserve in Ghana is currently under the control of galamsey operators.
In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, the Minister said significant progress has been made in the fight against illegal mining through coordinated operations involving the Forestry Commission, the security services and other stakeholders.
“We have reclaimed all forest reserve lands that were being used for illegal mining, and the government is working tirelessly to address the galamsey menace. There is no forest reserve occupied by galamseyers,” he said.
Mr Buah disclosed that the destruction caused by illegal mining has been enormous, estimating that land equivalent to about 12,000 football fields has been degraded.
According to him, the scale of the devastation has compelled the government to partner with corporate institutions to support land reclamation efforts.
“The lands we have lost to galamsey could be up to 12,000 football fields. Last year, through corporate support, we were able to reclaim about 1,500 acres. This year, private support is targeting another 1,500 acres, while government is also targeting 1,500 acres,” he said.
The Minister stressed that protecting the country’s forests requires collective effort and sustained commitment.
“It is something we need to understand. We all need to protect our forests,” he noted.
Mr Buah revealed that all forest reserves previously classified as red zones have now been secured.
He explained that the Forestry Commission has established permanent security posts in some forest reserves to prevent illegal miners from returning.
“Thankfully, since December, we no longer have any red zones. All our forests are firmly under the control of the Forestry Commission.
“Some people have tried to take over the forests again, but with the support of NAIMOS and the security services, they have not been able to gain access. It is good progress,” he stated.
The Minister clarified that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is the only government-sanctioned force mandated to combat illegal mining.
He added that NAIMOS also works closely with the Blue Water Guards, who provide intelligence to support anti-galamsey operations.
“NAIMOS is the only sanctioned force. It is a combination of the security services, so all other groups are illegal forces,” he said.
Mr Buah further disclosed that 258 suspects have been arrested in connection with illegal mining activities over the past six months.
He cautioned that many illegal miners are armed and dangerous, making the fight against galamsey increasingly challenging.
“Those involved in illegal mining are armed and dangerous. We all have to join the fight, which is why public education and mining reforms are equally important,” he added.
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