Illegal Mining is a direct assault on national security, Lands Minister vows decisive fight
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, says illegal mining is a direct assault on national security and must be fought with all strength.
According to him, Ghana cannot continue to mortgage its rivers, destroy its lands and sacrifice the health of children on the altar of short term gains.
He noted that while mining is the cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, the country will not allow illegal miners to destroy the environment.
He noted that with concerted efforts, all reserve forests have been claimed from illegal miners.
“The bleeding has stopped, we have claimed all our forest reserve, just last week, we were in the heart of Atiwa Forest and discovered illegal miners were destroying rivers,” he stated.
“We reacted quickly and now we can confidently say all these forests are being protected,” he added.
He said this during the National Mining Conference organized by the Ministry of Local Government Chieftaincy and Religious to with other ministries include the Lands Ministry.
Held in Kumasi on November 2, 2026, the event brought together all Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives and other stakeholders to discuss ways to stop the problem of illegal mining
He noted that government, as part of the fight against illegal mining, has embarked on aggressive mining reforms.
These reforms, he noted, will help protect the environment under stiffer laws and regulations.
He commended stakeholders, particularly chiefs, for their continuous support and contributions to these reforms.
He emphasized that government is not resting in the quest to halt illegal miners and protect the environment from destruction.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Jacob Agyenim Boateng, Kumasi.
