We have lost 44 of our forest reserves to illegal mining activities – Vice President tells MPs to intensify galamsey fight

The Vice President of Ghana, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has commissioned Members of Parliament, particularly those from mining areas, to make their presence felt urgently in the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

Delivering the keynote address at the Parliamentarians Conference on Restoring the Culture of Small-Scale Mining in Ghana, Professor Opoku-Agyemang tasked the parliamentarians to recognize their role as key stakeholders in the fight against the menace and provide able support to the government.

With Ghana’s three river basins, forty-four forest reserves, and water bodies being destroyed by indiscriminate mining activities, Vice President Professor Opoku-Agyemang has restated the urgency of the situation and called Ghanaian parliamentarians to action.

Commending the new Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, for wasting no time in confronting the menace with new measures and policies, Professor Opoku-Agyemang maintained that a unified front is needed to reverse the degradation and destruction of the Ghanaian environment and made a passionate appeal to parliamentarians and other stakeholders to complement the government’s efforts.

Speaking on the theme “Restoring a Culture of Proper Small-Scale Mining in Ghana,” the Vice President noted that the seminar is a timely and crucial step in putting the brakes on illegal mining activities in the country, and collective efforts will be extremely consequential in turning the tide when it comes to galamsey operations in the country.

“Over the years, we have witnessed an alarming level of environmental degradation caused by illegal and irresponsible mining practices. Our forests are being degraded; our water bodies are being heavily polluted, rendering our lands barren. This is not only threatening our ecosystem but has also jeopardized the livelihoods of many communities that depend on these natural resources. All three water-basin systems in the country are under threat! We have lost forty-four of our forest reserves to illegal mining activities, and it would cost us several hundred thousands to reclaim. The public outcry on this issue is a testament to the urgency with which we must act.”

“You, our Honourable Members, are not only lawmakers but also the direct representatives of the people most affected by the impact of mining activities. We have seen the effects of pollution of our water bodies in the very communities we oversee – babies born with birth defects, stillbirths, and the like. It is, therefore, fitting that we convene here today to engage in meaningful dialogue and orientation on how we can collectively tackle this national concern.

“The Government of Ghana recognizes that restoring responsible mining practices requires a multi-stakeholder approach. This is why we have outlined deliberate steps to curb illegal mining, regulate the sector effectively, and ensure that small-scale mining is conducted in a manner that benefits the economy and the local communities without compromising our environment. We appreciate that this is a battle that cannot be fought by the government alone, and we acknowledge the crucial role of Parliament in shaping policies, providing oversight, and ensuring compliance within the constituencies you serve,” she said.

Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah called for urgent action to restore responsible small-scale mining in Ghana, emphasizing the need to protect the country’s natural resources and water bodies.

Speaking at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, the Minister warned that environmental degradation threatens both livelihoods and the national economy.

“One of the most pressing issues facing our country today is the sustainable management of our natural resources and hydrology,” Buah stated. “At the heart of this challenge is the need to revive a culture of responsible, multi-scale mining.”

He expressed concern over the destruction of forests, degradation of farmlands, and pollution of rivers, highlighting the widespread public outcry over these issues.

The Minister urged lawmakers to take decisive action, stressing that the consequences of inaction could be dire for both present and future generations.

“Our destiny, my friends, is in our hands. It is deeply unsettling to reflect on the environmental devastation we have witnessed over the past two decades,” he said.

The conference brought together key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, environmental experts, and industry players, to discuss sustainable solutions for Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.

The Minister’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly to safeguard the nation’s natural resources.

With illegal mining—commonly known as galamsey—continuing to pose a significant threat, Buah’s call to action resonated strongly with attendees.

His message reinforced the need for collaboration between policymakers, miners, and local communities to achieve lasting environmental and economic sustainability.

The Parliamentarians Conference serves as a platform for stakeholders to develop strategies that balance economic growth with environmental preservation, ensuring that small-scale mining benefits both present and future generations.

He warned that the faceless people engaging in the menace should note that “What is different this time, is that the Presidency will not condone any illegalities whatsoever and regardless of your social status, when caught, you will face the law and there will be no one to bail you out”.

In his Welcome address, the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the programme is to engage members of Parliament to support government efforts in dealing with the problem of small-scale mining.

He noted that every small-scale mining happens in a constituency and that is why it is pertinent that they join forces with the Lands Ministry to put together ideas in bringing down the menace.

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