The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has charged all mining-affected Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to establish district-level anti-illegal mining coordination mechanisms.

According to him, the mechanisms should involve decentralized departments, regulatory bodies, security agencies and community representatives.

Addressing the maiden National Conference of MMDCEs on Illegal Small-Scale Mining in Kumasi today, 2nd November 2026, Kofi-Buah said the fight cannot be won by his Ministry or security agencies alone.

"The fight against illegal mining cannot be won by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources or security agencies alone. It requires our leadership, commitment, courage and sustained engagement," he said.

He described illegal mining as a serious national security threat with devastating consequences for environment, public health, food security and water resources.

"Our leadership will be judged not by statements we make, but by the consistency, courage and fairness with which we act," he added.

The Minister said enforcement operations by NAIMOS, the Police and the Armed Forces must be supported by effective local governance, including local information and community engagement.

He also urged MMDCEs to facilitate legal mining procedures for those willing to operate legally and to pay attention to reclamation of degraded lands.

"Abandoned pits pose serious risks to children, farmers and livestock. Reclamation must be treated as an essential component of environmental governance."

He concluded: "History will remember whether we protected our rivers or allowed them to be destroyed. Under President Mahama, government will remain committed to confronting illegal mining."