‘We have to go radical’: Lands Minister defends new measures on galamsey

Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah says the government is ready to take “radical” steps to end illegal mining, including deploying permanent security forces to protect the nation’s water bodies and forests.

In a GTV interview on Wednesday (24th September), Hon. Buah said the government was moving beyond policy reforms and stakeholder engagement to direct enforcement.

“One is the policy reform, one is the stakeholder engagement, one is to deal with the water, and one is to strengthen enforcement. All of these things we are doing, but now, we are going further,” he explained.

He revealed that President Mahama had approved the designation of all water bodies and forest reserves as national security zones, a move that will give the state stronger authority to secure them.

“We are now preparing to deploy permanent security forces in these areas,” he noted.

The Minister emphasized the need for tougher measures, pointing to the devastating toll of illegal mining on the country’s environment and human lives. “We have had an election, and eight people died.

If we are really at war, can’t we take radical steps? For example, if a military aeroplane flies over a site and demonstrates force, would the miners come back tomorrow?” he asked rhetorically.

The comment, which hinted at the possibility of military-led deterrent operations, has raised eyebrows.

Some civil society organisations (CSOs) have long urged the government to declare a state of emergency in galamsey-affected areas, but officials have so far stopped short of doing so.

Despite the controversy, Hon. Buah insisted that strong actions are unavoidable. “If you had listened to me comprehensively, the president has given us a very clear answer. The government has the power at its disposal to take steps to deal with this. We have to go radical,” he said firmly.