The Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has sharply criticized the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration for its alleged failure in combating illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, the Ellembelle MP and former Deputy Minority Leader acknowledged the initial efforts made by the NPP government but described them as ultimately unsuccessful.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had promised in 2017 to aggressively tackle illegal mining, even declaring he was willing to risk his presidency to address the issue. However, widespread criticism followed as illegal mining continued to devastate the environment, including water bodies and forest reserves.
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah condemned the environmental destruction caused by galamsey, calling it “unacceptable” and underscoring the urgent need for stronger measures. “It’s true the NPP administration started very well—there was a ban on mining for six months, later extended to nine months. But after eight years, we are left with degraded lands, polluted water bodies, and destroyed forests. These facts make it clear that the fight was a failure,” he said.
He stressed the importance of decisive action to protect Ghana’s environment. “Illegal mining has created a crisis that threatens our forests and rivers. This menace must be tackled head-on,” he asserted, adding that political affiliations should not hinder efforts to address the issue.
Mr. Buah proposed a strategy to formalize mining activities, including organizing miners into cooperatives and establishing designated mining areas. “We will collaborate with the Minerals Commission and the Geological Survey Authority to identify mineralized zones for proper regulation,” he explained.
Additionally, he pledged to decentralize the licensing process to make it more accessible for communities while ensuring strict enforcement against illegal activities. “By simplifying the licensing process, we empower communities to mine legally. At the same time, we will deal ruthlessly with those who choose to engage in illegal mining because they will have no excuse not to follow the legal pathway,” he added.
As Minister, Mr. Buah vowed to unite Ghanaians in the fight against illegal mining, emphasizing that the environment must take precedence over partisan politics.
