Regard illegal miners as ‘dangerous terrorists’ – Kofi Buah
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has strongly condemned illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, describing it as a grave threat to the country. He likened illegal miners to “terrorists,” asserting that their activities endanger the lives of millions of Ghanaians. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, April 3, the Minister stressed the urgent need for collective action to eliminate the destructive practice that has severely impacted Ghana’s environment, economy, and public health.
According to Kofi Buah, illegal mining is not merely an economic crime but a direct attack on the well-being of the nation. He highlighted how a small group of people are profiting from illicit mining while causing widespread harm to the country’s natural resources. “We cannot sit back and allow a handful of individuals to make money at the expense of millions of Ghanaians. Their actions are killing us, and we must now regard them as dangerous terrorists,” he asserted.
His remarks come at a time when concerns over the effects of illegal mining have reached alarming levels. Ghana has been grappling with the severe consequences of galamsey for years, with forests being depleted, water bodies heavily polluted, and fertile farmlands rendered unproductive. The Minister specifically pointed to the country’s deteriorating water quality, describing the situation as dire. He cited cases where turbidity levels in major rivers have soared to between 5,000 and 12,000, when the acceptable threshold should be no more than 500. “This means we are essentially consuming poison,” he lamented, emphasizing the health risks associated with contaminated water sources.
Kofi Buah reaffirmed the government’s strong stance against illegal mining, assuring the public that all necessary resources would be deployed to curb the menace. He stressed that the government remains committed to enforcing regulations and taking decisive action to restore Ghana’s environment. The Minister warned that those engaging in illegal mining would face severe consequences, as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on unlawful activities in the sector.
However, he clarified that the government does not oppose small-scale mining in principle, provided it is done legally and responsibly. He reiterated that individuals interested in mining are welcome to apply for the appropriate permits and operate within the legal framework. “If anyone wants to engage in legitimate small-scale mining, this government is fully prepared to assist them by providing licenses and proper guidance. We want to ensure that small-scale mining is conducted in a more responsible and sustainable manner,” he explained.
Furthermore, the Minister underscored the importance of a unified approach in tackling the issue. He called on all stakeholders, including community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and ordinary citizens, to work together in the fight against illegal mining. “This is not a problem for the government alone. It must be a collective fight,” he stated, urging Ghanaians to take an active role in protecting their environment.
His speech reflects the growing urgency to address the galamsey crisis, which continues to pose a significant threat to Ghana’s natural resources and public health.
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