By Felix Cofie
Ghana’s intensified fight against illegal mining, known locally as galamsey, has reached a major milestone. All nine forest reserves previously under the control of armed illegal miners have now been fully reclaimed, according to Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
Delivering a comprehensive update in Accra, the Minister disclosed that these areas—once labeled high-risk “red zones” due to entrenched galamsey operations—are no longer under illegal occupation.
“Over 5,500 hectares of forest land, equivalent to 7,500 football fields, were degraded. I’m pleased to report that, working with law enforcement, the Forestry Commission has successfully repossessed all nine red-zoned forest reserves,” the Minister announced.
He added that surveillance continues to ensure these areas are not reoccupied, emphasizing the government’s long-term commitment to environmental recovery.
Reforestation Gains Momentum
Central to the government’s environmental recovery efforts is the “Tree for Life” reforestation campaign, which aims to plant 30 million trees nationwide. Officially launched in March 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama, the initiative has already seen the successful planting of 7.6 million seedlings, with the private sector contributing 2.3 million.
Authorities say momentum is building, and the full target is expected to be reached by the end of the rainy season in October.
Tackling Water Pollution: Blue Water Initiative
To complement reforestation, the Blue Water Initiative was launched to combat water pollution caused by illegal mining. Over 980 “Blue Water Guards” have been deployed to protect rivers and educate communities on environmental conservation. The initiative targets the deployment of 2,000 personnel by year-end.
The next phase, now underway, will introduce water restoration measures, including de-chemicalization of polluted rivers to restore them to their natural state.
Technology in the Fight: Excavator Tracking
In a major move to curb illegal mining equipment use, the Ministry has implemented a national excavator tracking system. So far, 1,200 excavators have been impounded at the ports pending verification. A pilot project is tracking 191 excavators in real-time.
A centralized digital platform, the Ghana Mine Repository and Tracking Software, is also being developed to integrate the activities of agencies like GRA-Customs, DVLA, Minerals Commission, National Security, and others. This will enhance transparency and operational compliance in the mining sector.
Legislative Reforms Near Completion
Minister Buah announced that 85% of planned mining policy and legislative reforms have been completed. These include:
• Shortening of prospecting and mining lease durations.
• Abolition of Development Agreements.
• Mandatory Community Development Agreements (CDAs), requiring a share of mining revenue to fund local projects.
Arrests and Seizures
The fight against galamsey has resulted in a wave of arrests and equipment seizures:
• 1,345 suspects arrested with court proceedings ongoing.
• 425 excavators and hundreds of machines seized nationwide.
• 286 individuals arrested in operations beyond forest zones.
• 279 trucks carrying illegal lumber intercepted and fined.
All operations are being coordinated by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
Alternative Livelihoods: rCOMSDEP on the Horizon
To provide sustainable options for mining communities, the Ministry will soon launch rCOMSDEP—the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme. The initiative aims to reform artisanal and small-scale mining by organizing miners into cooperatives, providing legal concessions, and offering training and access to shared processing technologies.
The programme will work closely with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to guide miners to mineral-rich zones and ensure responsible practices.
A Long Battle Ahead
“The fight against illegal mining is a marathon, not a sprint,” Minister Buah concluded. “With the political will of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, we are restoring our water bodies to blue, our forests to green, and securing a healthier environment for future generations.”
