Ghana has suffered the loss of more than 5,252 hectares of forest land due to illegal mining activities, with 44 of the nation’s 288 forest reserves showing signs of degradation, according to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
River turbidity levels in affected areas have surged past 5,000 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) — a tenfold increase above the acceptable limit — as a result of contamination from toxic chemicals such as mercury and cyanide used in illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey.”
Buah called for collective action from communities, industries, stakeholders, traditional leaders, and environmental advocates to combat the ongoing crisis. He highlighted progress made in addressing illegal mining, revealing that authorities had seized 150 excavators, five bulldozers, and numerous weapons, while 71 individuals had been arrested. Enforcement efforts have also enabled monitoring of seven out of nine previously inaccessible forest reserves.
However, the minister noted that illegal mining continues unabated, driven by weak political will, inconsistent enforcement, and complicity within various levels of government. Other contributing factors include security gaps, a lack of geological data, delayed prosecutions, foreign interference, and armed gangs resisting enforcement actions. The importation of unregulated mining equipment has also exacerbated the problem.
Despite these challenges, Buah assured that the government remains determined to tackle the issue and called for increased citizen participation to eliminate illegal mining and protect the nation’s resources.
To address the crisis, the government has introduced a new initiative: the Cooperative Mining Scheme, which will replace the previous Community Mining Scheme. Buah also announced reforms to the licensing process, with new licences to be issued at the district level, in consultation with traditional leaders and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Additionally, all excavators imported into Ghana will now be registered, monitored, and geo-tagged for 24/7 surveillance, with provisions for remote immobilisation in cases of non-compliance. A reinforced joint task force, comprising military, police, and Forestry Commission personnel, has also been established to remove illegal miners from protected areas.
Buah urged Ghanaians to report illegal mining activities to foster a mining sector built on sustainability, equity, and national pride.
While the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector plays a significant role in the country’s economy, contributing to one-third of Ghana’s gold production and employing approximately 3 million people, its future remains uncertain due to the environmental damage caused by galamsey. The minister warned that illegal mining is undermining the sector’s potential, polluting water sources, damaging ecosystems, and posing significant public health risks.
