Galamsey Crisis: Ghana’s Forest Reserves Falling to Heavily Armed Miners-Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has issued a stark warning to Parliament regarding the escalating crisis posed by illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” in Ghana. The Minister painted a grim picture of the devastation wreaked upon the nation’s forest reserves and water bodies, revealing the alarming extent to which armed illegal miners have taken control of these vital resources.

During his address to Parliament, the Minister disclosed that a staggering 44 out of Ghana’s 288 forest reserves have been infiltrated by galamsey operators. Even more concerning, he reported that nine of these reserves have been completely overrun by the illegal miners. This level of control has effectively rendered the Forestry Commission powerless in these areas, with the Minister stating, “The Forestry Commission no longer has access to these forest reserves.”

A particularly alarming aspect of the situation is the superior weaponry possessed by the galamsey operators. Minister Buah revealed that these illegal miners are often better armed than the security personnel tasked with protecting the forest reserves, leading to a climate of fear and intimidation that further hinders efforts to combat the illegal mining activities. This disparity in firepower has instilled fear among the guards, making it increasingly difficult for them to effectively enforce regulations and protect the forest reserves.

The Minister characterized the situation as a national crisis with far-reaching implications, not only for the environment but also for national security and public health. He emphasized the urgent need for immediate and decisive action to address the escalating threat. “Ghana is currently faced with an unprecedented threat to our forest resources and water bodies due largely to illegal small-scale mining activities,” he stated, underscoring the severity of the challenge.

The Minister’s revelations paint a worrying picture of a nation grappling with the destructive power of galamsey. The loss of access to forest reserves, the superior armament of illegal miners, and the grave consequences for the environment, security, and public health all point to the urgent need for a comprehensive and robust strategy to combat this escalating crisis.