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 known as galamsey, calling for those involved to be regarded as “dangerous terrorists.” He argues that their actions pose a severe threat to the lives of millions of Ghanaians and must be treated as a national security crisis.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, April 3, the Minister emphasized that illegal miners should not be allowed to continue destroying the environment and endangering public health for their own financial gain. “We cannot permit a few individuals to enrich themselves while endangering the lives of millions of Ghanaians. We must begin to see them as dangerous terrorists who are killing us,” he stated.
His remarks come amid growing concerns over the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining. The galamsey menace has long been a major challenge in Ghana, leading to widespread pollution of rivers and destruction of forests and farmlands.
Highlighting the devastating impact of illegal mining on Ghana’s water resources, Kofi Buah pointed out that water bodies across the country have become heavily contaminated. “You cannot have a country where your water systems are so polluted that turbidity levels reach between 5,000 and 12,000 when they should be at 500. This means we are drinking poison,” he lamented.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to fighting illegal mining, pledging to use all available resources to put an end to the destruction caused by galamsey operators. He stressed that authorities would not relent in their efforts to protect the country’s natural resources and safeguard public health.
However, he also noted that the government is open to working with individuals who wish to engage in legal small-scale mining. He encouraged those interested in mining to follow the proper procedures and assured them of government support. “If anyone wants to do genuine small-scale mining, this government is committed to guiding them, issuing licenses, and ensuring they mine responsibly and sustainably,” he stated.
Kofi Buah urged all stakeholders, including government agencies, traditional leaders, and the general public, to unite in the fight against illegal mining. “This must be a collective fight,” he stressed, calling for stronger collaboration to put an end to the crisis.
His comments sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some questioning whether merely labeling illegal miners as terrorists would lead to tangible results. Some critics argued that instead of making strong statements, authorities should take more decisive action to arrest and prosecute those involved in illegal mining. Others accused the government of failing to implement effective measures to tackle the problem, saying that speeches alone would not bring about real change.
The issue of illegal mining remains a pressing concern in Ghana, with calls for stricter enforcement of mining regulations. Many believe that unless firm action is taken, the environmental destruction caused by galamsey will continue to worsen, posing long-term risks to public health and the country’s economy.
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