Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that 44 out of the country’s 288 forest reserves are under severe threat due to illegal mining.
According to the Minister, more than 5,000 hectares of forest land have been destroyed, with nine reserves completely overrun by armed miners, beyond the control of the Forestry Commission.
The alarming report paints a grim picture of the environmental destruction caused by illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey’, which continues to ravage Ghana’s natural resources despite numerous government interventions.
Among the most disturbing findings is that nine forest reserves have been entirely taken over by illegal miners armed with weapons, making it impossible for the Forestry Commission to enforce regulations or reclaim control. These areas have effectively become lawless zones, where the state’s authority is nonexistent, and environmental degradation runs unchecked.
The Minister also added that illegal miners have cleared vast tracts of land within the affected reserves, devastating ecosystems and polluting water bodies. The destruction of over 5,000 hectares of forest land raises concerns about biodiversity loss, climate change impacts, and long-term damage to local communities that rely on the forests for their livelihoods.
Minister Armah-Kofi Buah acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, including military interventions, task forces, and community engagement programs. However, he admitted that armed resistance from illegal miners, logistical challenges, and corruption within enforcement agencies have made the fight increasingly difficult.
“We are facing a serious environmental crisis. These illegal activities threaten not only our forests but also our water bodies and national security,” he stated.
He also added that the government is considering harsher penalties, increased military presence, and the use of drone surveillance to tackle the crisis. However, experts argue that without addressing the root causes—such as unemployment, corruption, and weak enforcement—illegal mining will continue to thrive.
Environmental activists and community leaders are urging the government to act decisively before more reserves fall to illegal mining. The destruction of Ghana’s forests not only threatens the country’s biodiversity but also its global commitments to combat climate change.
Minister Buah suggest that if urgent measures are not taken, Ghana risks losing more of its protected forests to uncontrolled mining activities, further endangering its environment, economy, and future generations.
Story by Freedom Lavoe
