The Ashanti Region of Ghana, under the newly appointed leadership of Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has embarked on a decisive mission to combat the pervasive menace of illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey.” In his inaugural media address at the Regional Coordinating Council on February 6, 2025, Dr. Amoakohene issued a two-week ultimatum for the removal of all mining equipment from forest reserves within the region. This decisive action underscores the minister’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the region’s precious natural resources, particularly its rivers, which have been subjected to a 14-day ban on mining activities. This initiative marks a critical step in a broader strategy aimed at curbing the devastating environmental and social consequences of illegal mining.
The urgency of this directive stems from the profound environmental degradation caused by galamsey, which has left a trail of destruction across the Ashanti Region. Illegal mining operations, often carried out with rudimentary and environmentally damaging methods, have polluted rivers, decimated forests, and threatened the very fabric of the region’s ecosystem. The removal of mining equipment from protected forest reserves is intended to halt further damage and create space for the restoration of these vital natural habitats. The minister’s commitment to addressing this issue head-on reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between environmental health and the overall well-being of the region’s inhabitants.
Dr. Amoakohene’s address emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in tackling the complex issue of galamsey. He highlighted the importance of working with other regional ministers to implement a cohesive and effective strategy. This collaborative approach recognizes that illegal mining is not confined to the Ashanti Region and requires a coordinated response across affected areas. By sharing best practices, resources, and intelligence, regional authorities can strengthen their collective capacity to combat this illegal activity and hold perpetrators accountable. This collective effort is crucial for ensuring that the gains made in one region are not undermined by continued illegal operations in neighboring areas.
The decision to remove mining equipment from forest reserves is a multi-pronged strategy designed to address both the immediate and long-term challenges posed by galamsey. In the short term, it directly disrupts ongoing illegal mining activities within protected areas. By physically removing the tools and machinery used in these operations, authorities aim to significantly curtail the immediate environmental damage caused by illegal miners. This immediate action also serves as a powerful deterrent, signaling the government’s resolve to enforce environmental regulations and hold those engaged in illicit activities accountable.
In the long term, the removal of equipment facilitates the rehabilitation and restoration of degraded forest reserves. By creating a mining-free zone within these protected areas, the government aims to allow the natural environment to recover. This will involve reforestation efforts, the reintroduction of native plant and animal species, and the implementation of sustainable land management practices. The long-term goal is to restore the ecological balance of these areas and ensure their continued contribution to the region’s biodiversity and overall environmental health.
The widespread support for Dr. Amoakohene’s decisive action underscores the public’s growing recognition of the devastating consequences of galamsey. Stakeholders, including environmental organizations, community leaders, and the general public, have welcomed the minister’s commitment to tackling this long-standing problem. This broad-based support is essential for the successful implementation of the government’s strategy. Community involvement, in particular, plays a vital role in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities, ensuring that the removal of equipment is effective and sustainable. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by Dr. Amoakohene and his commitment to engaging with stakeholders offers hope for a future where the Ashanti Region’s natural resources are protected for generations to come.
