Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has declared that Ghana’s war against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, cannot be won with violence but through a strategic and people-centered approach.

Addressing civil society organisations and key stakeholders at a high-level meeting convened by President John Mahama, the minister presented disturbing images of destroyed forest reserves and polluted rivers, evidence of the devastation caused by illegal miners.

Rejecting calls for a “shoot-to-kill” crackdown, Mr. Buah insisted that sustainable victory lies not in the barrel of a gun but in changing hearts and minds.

“The galamsey fight cannot be won by guns,” he said emphatically.

Adding that, “We must speak to the soul of the people so they truly understand the irreversible damage they are causing.”

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