'Illegal mining is direct assault on national security' — Lands Minister vows decisive fight

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has described illegal mining as a direct threat to Ghana’s national security, insisting that the government will intensify efforts to protect the country’s natural resources and environment.

He said Ghana could no longer afford to sacrifice its rivers, degrade its lands and endanger the health of children for short-term economic benefits.

Although mining remains a major pillar of the country’s economy, the Minister stressed that this should not be an excuse for illegal operators to destroy the environment.

Mr Buah disclosed that concerted efforts by the government and other stakeholders had resulted in the recovery of all forest reserves previously occupied by illegal miners.

“The bleeding has stopped, we have claimed all our forest reserve, just last week, we were in the heart of Atiwa Forest and discovered illegal miners were destroying rivers,” he stated.

“We reacted quickly and now we can confidently say all these forests are being protected,” he added.

He made the remarks at a National Mining Conference organised by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other ministries.

The conference, held in Kumasi on November 2, 2026, brought together Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, as well as other stakeholders, to discuss strategies for tackling illegal mining.

The Lands Minister said the government had introduced a series of mining reforms as part of its broader efforts to address the menace.

He explained that the reforms were intended to strengthen environmental protection through tougher laws and regulations to ensure that mining activities were conducted responsibly.

Mr Buah commended stakeholders, particularly traditional authorities, for their continued support and contributions to the government's reform agenda.

He assured participants that the government remained committed to intensifying the fight against illegal mining and preventing further destruction of the country's natural resources.