The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for a united national response to illegal mining, warning that the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves threatens the country’s very survival.

Speaking at the launch of the “Galamsey Ends Here” campaign on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, the minister stressed that the fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey must transcend partisan politics.

“This has nothing to do with NDC or NPP; it has everything to do with our survival as Ghanaians,” he said.

He painted a grim picture of the environmental crisis, noting that many of Ghana’s rivers have been heavily polluted, with serious implications for public health and water supply.

According to him, the situation has become so severe that some foreign embassies in the country now import their own water, while the Ghana Water Company Limited is struggling to treat raw water due to extremely high turbidity levels.

“Our water bodies are dying. We’ve listened to experts and environmentalists explain the consequences—yet the destruction continues,” he lamented.

He stressed the importance of instilling environmental awareness, especially among young people, arguing that long-term behavioural change is key to ending illegal mining.

We are coming after you – Armah-Kofi Buah tells galamseyers

“We can only win this fight if we first look at ourselves as Ghanaians and change our attitudes,” he said.

The minister emphasised the critical role of forest reserves in sustaining life, warning that their continued destruction could soon leave many communities without access to clean water.

“You may think it is happening far away, but it will get to you—and when it does, you will have no water,” he cautioned.

Outlining government’s response, Buah said a multi-pronged strategy is being implemented, with public education and citizen engagement at its core.

The minister highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at sanitising the mining sector, including improving transparency in licensing and decentralising decision-making.

He revealed that government is working to establish district-level mining committees to ensure local participation in granting licences.

“It will no longer be decisions taken only in Accra. Communities will have a direct say in what happens in their areas,” he explained.

He added that broader reforms in land administration are also underway to curb corruption and ensure accountability.

Armah-Kofi Buah further disclosed that Ghana has about 288 forest reserves, with at least 44 already lost, while an estimated 8,500 hectares of land have been degraded by illegal mining activities.

He noted that reclaiming a single acre of destroyed forest could cost as much as $50,000, making full restoration a major financial challenge.

“No government can bear this cost alone, especially when we know those responsible,” he said, urging citizens to reject wealth derived from environmental destruction.

While acknowledging that mining is a legitimate economic activity, the Minister stressed that only responsible and sustainable practices will be supported.

He also reiterated plans to strengthen local participation in the sector and ensure Ghana derives greater benefits from its mineral resources.

Armah-Kofi Buah commended journalists for taking a stand through the campaign, describing the media as a powerful force in holding duty-bearers accountable.

“We are not just going to report; we will use our platforms to speak truth to power and challenge wrongdoing, no matter who is involved,” he stated.

He called on all Ghanaians to support the “Galamsey Ends Here” campaign, expressing confidence that collective action can reverse the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.

SO/VPO

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