Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has announced significant progress in the government’s renewed clampdown on illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Since the launch of intensified operations, over 1,300 individuals have been arrested and 425 excavators and other equipment seized nationwide.
Providing an update on the state of the sector during the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 23, the Minister said the operation reflects a sustained, multi-agency effort to reclaim forest reserves and safeguard Ghana’s water bodies from environmental destruction.
“We have seized 425 excavators and other machinery. We have also made 1,345 arrests nationwide since we began this renewed fight, and prosecutions are steadily progressing,” the Minister stated. “The Attorney General is expected to provide further updates on the legal proceedings during his upcoming briefing.”
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah credited the Forestry Commission with playing a central role in the crackdown. The Commission’s enforcement efforts alone led to the seizure of:
- 177 excavators
- 4 bulldozers
- 12 vehicles
- 43 motorbikes
- 155 pumping machines
- 185 chamfan machines
- 15 gold detectors
- 10 heavy-duty generators
Additionally, 286 suspects were arrested under the Forestry Commission’s operations.
“These numbers form part of the national totals I’ve cited, and they demonstrate the critical importance of inter-agency collaboration in this effort,” he explained.
The Minister reaffirmed government’s resolve to protect the country’s natural resources through enforcement, regulation, and technological monitoring, while emphasizing the need for continued public support in the fight against illegal mining.
Stakeholders now await a comprehensive update from the Attorney General on the prosecution of suspects, which is expected to reinforce the government’s commitment to transparency, deterrence, and the rule of law.
