Ghana’s Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared an all-out war against illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” elevating the fight to a national security priority and labeling it an act of terrorism. This declaration underscores the severity of the environmental degradation and security threats posed by this illicit activity, and signals the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating it. Over the past two months, a reinforced crackdown has resulted in the arrest of 76 illegal miners and the seizure of 100 excavators, demonstrating the government’s resolve to enforce the law and dismantle galamsey operations. Minister Buah emphasized the full backing of the President in this campaign, making it clear that galamsey is no longer a mere environmental issue but a threat to national security.
The Minister’s strong stance against galamsey extends beyond arrests and seizures. He issued a stern warning to security personnel against succumbing to external pressures or “calls from above” to release arrested individuals or return confiscated equipment. This directive aims to ensure the integrity of the ongoing operations and prevent any compromise of the government’s efforts. Furthermore, Minister Buah sent a clear message to those operating clandestinely in the illegal mining sector, vowing to expose their identities and bring them to justice. This commitment to unmasking the perpetrators aims to dismantle the networks facilitating galamsey and deter future involvement in these destructive practices.
The severity of the galamsey problem is further highlighted by the recent violent confrontation between forest guards and illegal miners, which nearly resulted in the death of a Forestry Commission officer. This incident underscores the dangers faced by those tasked with protecting Ghana’s natural resources and reinforces the need for robust security measures. The Minister acknowledged the heavy armament often carried by illegal miners and pledged to equip security agencies and the Forestry Commission with the necessary resources to effectively counter the threat and protect themselves. This includes providing adequate training, equipment, and logistical support to ensure their safety and effectiveness in combating heavily armed illegal miners.
A key concern raised by Minister Buah is the alarming influx of mining equipment into the country, particularly excavators. He questioned the justification for importing GHS 6.2 billion worth of excavators annually, making it the third highest import item last year. This raises suspicions about the intended use of such equipment and suggests a potential link to the proliferation of galamsey activities. To address this issue, the government plans to introduce geo-tagging and geo-fencing technology at ports to track the movement of all earth-moving equipment. This technological intervention will enable authorities to monitor the location and usage of excavators, making it more difficult for them to be deployed in illegal mining operations.
Beyond enforcement and security measures, the government is also focusing on environmental restoration and education. The “Tree of Life” initiative aims to plant 20 million seedlings annually to rehabilitate areas ravaged by galamsey. This ambitious reforestation program seeks to restore degraded landscapes, mitigate the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, and contribute to broader climate change mitigation efforts. Furthermore, 2,000 water guards are being trained by the Ghana Navy to protect water bodies from pollution and illegal mining activities, as well as to provide intelligence to security agencies. This specialized force will enhance surveillance and enforcement capabilities in water bodies, which are often targeted by illegal miners.
The long-term strategy also involves educating future generations about environmental responsibility. Sustainable resource management principles will be integrated into school curricula to instill environmental consciousness in young people. This educational approach aims to cultivate a sense of stewardship for the environment, fostering a generation of citizens committed to protecting Ghana’s natural resources. By combining robust enforcement with environmental restoration and education, the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to combat galamsey, protect the environment, and secure the future of Ghana’s natural heritage. The Minister’s declaration of galamsey as an act of terrorism reflects the seriousness of the issue and the government’s determination to address it with all available resources.
