The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and promoting sustainable resource management.

He made this known during a high-level engagement with the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey on Friday, June 27, 2025.

The meeting, held at the directive of President John Dramani Mahama, followed a formal petition by the Coalition urging urgent and decisive government action to curb the destructive effects of illegal mining, widely known as galamsey.

“We are deeply committed to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable mining practices,” Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah stated.

He cited key progress made under the current administration, including the recovery of eight out of nine forest reserves previously devastated by illegal mining activities.

The Minister also outlined several strategic initiatives rolled out by the government, including:

The Blue Water Guards – a specialised task force dedicated to safeguarding Ghana’s rivers and water bodies.

The Tree for Life Restoration Initiative – focused on land reclamation and reforestation in affected areas.

The decentralisation of the licensing regime – aimed at improving oversight and reducing illegal operations.

A central topic of discussion was the newly established National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), a coordinating body set up to streamline enforcement efforts across national security agencies.

The Minister emphasised that NAIMOS will enhance intelligence-sharing, improve operational efficiency, and serve as a centralised response mechanism to illegal mining threats.

Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Convener of the Coalition, welcomed the initiative and pledged the group’s full support for NAIMOS, expressing hope that it would bring renewed momentum to the fight against galamsey.

The Coalition also submitted a set of key demands during the meeting, including:

The revocation of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2162, which they argue undermines anti-galamsey efforts.

Transparency measures, such as publishing the names of owners of seized excavators.

A declaration of a state of emergency in heavily affected mining areas.

Prosecution of foreign nationals implicated in illegal mining operations.

In response, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah praised the Coalition for its consistent advocacy and assured the delegation that their recommendations would be submitted to President Mahama for careful consideration.