Forestry Commission to Punish Staff Found Aiding Galamsey
The Forestry Commission of Ghana has issued a firm warning to its personnel following troubling revelations that some of its staff may be actively aiding illegal mining activities within protected areas. The commission has committed to launching a thorough internal investigation and enforcing appropriate sanctions against any staff members found to have breached their ethical obligations.
This firm stance follows a serious accusation made by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, who alleged that some officials within the Forestry Commission were working in collaboration with illegal miners. According to the Minister, this collusion is directly contributing to the environmental devastation currently affecting several forest reserves across the country.
Speaking on the matter, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoku, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to integrity and environmental protection. He stated that any officer proven to be complicit in illegal mining activities—commonly referred to as "galamsey"—would face the full force of the law. Kotoku emphasised that the commission operates on strict ethical principles and expects all its personnel to uphold the same standards.
As part of this renewed drive for accountability, the commission plans to scrutinise all relevant staff, especially those stationed in areas where illegal mining operations have been reported. Kotoku highlighted that the aim is to restore public confidence and ensure that the institution does not become a tool for environmental exploitation.
This response comes just days after the Minister for Lands ordered the revocation of the mining lease of Akonta Mining Company Ltd., following damning findings that linked the company to unauthorised operations in forest reserves. Despite holding a licence for off-reserve mining, Akonta Mining was reportedly conducting activities in the Aboi and Tano Nimiri Forest Reserves in the Western North Region without the required permits.
Investigative reports have further revealed that the company was allegedly selling access to these protected zones to other illegal operators, with concessions fetching up to GHS 300,000 each. Some miners were also reported to have paid weekly royalties in gold—amounting to as much as 250 grams—to maintain their access to the land.
These disclosures have sent shockwaves across the country, fuelling public outcry and prompting calls for decisive action. The Forestry Commission's latest announcement is being seen as a critical step towards addressing the systemic issues that have allowed illegal mining to persist, despite numerous government interventions over the years.
With both public and political pressure mounting, the spotlight now rests on the Forestry Commission to act swiftly and transparently. The hope is that these internal investigations will lead to concrete outcomes, not only by identifying those involved in wrongdoing but also by reinforcing the commission’s role as a trusted guardian of Ghana’s natural heritage.
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