Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a stern warning to galamsey operators: cease polluting the country’s rivers or face severe consequences. During a recent inspection of the Ankobra River, Buah emphasized the government’s determination to restore Ghana’s water bodies to their natural state. “Stay out, or do so at your own peril,” he cautioned.¹
Key Points of the Minister’s Warning:
– Renewed Crackdown: The government is intensifying its fight against galamsey, moving beyond short-term raids to permanent deployment of security forces in affected areas.
– Security Measures. The military and other security agencies will take direct control of major rivers to protect them from pollution and destruction.
– Government Resolve: President John Dramani Mahama has directed security forces to take full control of all major rivers as part of the new enforcement phase.
– Protection of Water Bodies: The government aims to safeguard vital water bodies like the Ankobra, Pra, and Offin rivers from galamsey destruction.
The minister’s warning comes amid growing concerns over the devastating impact of galamsey on Ghana’s environment, including water pollution, deforestation, and soil degradation. The government has also been working to review and amend relevant laws to effectively combat illegal mining.²
