The minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has stated that his ministry has managed to clear illegal miners from seven forest reserves.
Addressing a news conference on Thursday, April 3, 2025 the minister stated that, “the reclaimed reserves include; Jimira & Jimira Extension, Afao Hills, Tano Anwia, Ofin Shelterbelt, Anhwiaso East & Anhwiaso South & Subri.”
He added that efforts are ongoing to reclaim the remaining two reserves – Asenayo & Desiri.
The joint Military-Forestry Commission task force has conducted targeted operations in high-risk districts across the Ashanti, Western and Western North Regions, leading to significant seizures and arrests.
He was speaking on the progress made in the three months of government’s fight of the galamsey menace, which has become an albatross on the neck of the nation.
He indicated that the government has initiated a comprehensive strategy to sanitise the sector and promote sustainable mining practices.
He said that the government has engaged parliamentarians, traditional authorities and advocacy groups, recognising the pivotal roles they play.
OTHER SUCCESS
Minister Armah Buah mentioned the training of 2,000 Youth as Blue Water Guards to monitor and report illegal activities.
He announced that over 400 young people are expected to complete their training this month, to make room for the second batch of trainees.
The minister opined that the importance of this initiative was confirmed by the sad incident in Enchi District, when a policeman drowned in the line of duty, chasing illegal miners in the river without lifeguards present.
He stressed that “the presence of a trained Blue Water Guard could have averted the situation.”
The trees for life initiative, the minister explained, aims to plant over 7 million seedlings to restore degraded and mined-out areas, nationwide.
He remarked that the objective is to transform heavily degraded areas into functional and vibrant ecosystems that support biodiversity and human livelihoods.
FIVE-PILLAR
The minister outlined a five-pillar strategy to tackle illegal mining. He mentioned reforming the licensing regime – ensuring transparency and accountability in mining permits; strengthening law enforcement – intensifying crackdowns on illegal operations and prosecuting offenders.
The others are stakeholder engagement & collaboration – partnering with traditional leaders, local authorities, and civil society to promote sustainable mining; reclamation of degraded Lands – restoring mined-out areas and enforcing responsible mining practices; and alternative livelihoods for mining communities – supporting affected communities with sustainable income sources.
MEASURES
According to the minister, the joint military-forestry operations have led to 100 excavators, 3 bulldozers and 4 vehicles seized.
He asserted that geological surveys of mineral-rich areas will be conducted, and geo-tagging and geo-fencing of excavators to monitor their use.
Also the minister noted that there will be public education campaigns on environmental protection, integrated into school curricula, as well as decentralization of mining licenses to improve transparency and reduce corruption.
The minister urged traditional leaders, local assemblies, and civil society to support the fight against illegal mining.
“We must safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations,” he emphasised.
The post Government Names Seven Reclaimed Forest Reserves appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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