The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced plans to engage traditional leaders in the coming days to address the issue of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

Speaking to journalists after meeting with staff of the Ministry on his first day in office, the Minister reaffirmed the John Dramani Mahama government’s commitment to protecting Ghana’s forest reserves and water bodies by ensuring a regulated and sustainable mining sector.

Armah-Kofi Buah emphasised the importance of collaboration with traditional authorities, acknowledging their critical role in land and resource management.

Armah-Kofi Buah

“How do we make sure that illegal mining or galamsey is completely fashioned out and that we create a pathway for anybody who wants to engage in mining to do it legally and environmentally friendly way and make sure that we also protect our water bodies? You will see that shortly I will be visiting critical traditional authorities, engaging them, and soliciting advice and support as we go forward from here.”

He also announced a monthly media briefing on steps taken in dealing with the menace.

“We will need your [the media] support to commend people who are doing the right thing. We will need your [the media] support to expose people who are destroying our water bodies. And you have our complete support.

“I intend to engage you [the media] on a monthly basis to update you on the progress we are making. And you are going to be part of this.”By:Nii Ayikwei Okine