By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has gained new momentum, with more than 400 arrests made in just eight months, far surpassing the number recorded under the previous administration.
This was disclosed by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, during an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show on September 24, 2025.
“For us, there are no calls from anybody, no interference. We don’t care who you are or how politically connected you may be, we will arrest and prosecute you,” Buah stressed.
The minister noted that between 2017 and 2020, about 845 arrests were made under the previous government, but only 35 led to prosecutions. By contrast, the current administration is pursuing cases more rigorously to ensure offenders face justice.
Buah revealed that more than 440 excavators have also been seized in recent operations, with several transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture to support land preparation and mechanization.
He cautioned against politicizing the issue, warning that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) must not reduce the fight to partisan rhetoric.
“Illegal mining is destroying our rivers and forests. Those who genuinely care about this national crisis must speak. But those who only want to politicize it should not talk. This is about Ghana’s survival, not partisan gain,” he asserted.
The minister emphasized that the government’s renewed determination sends a strong message that illegal mining, no matter who is involved , will not be tolerated.
“This is not a political fight,” Buah reiterated. “This is about saving our rivers, our forests, and our future.”
