Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, has openly criticised the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration’s efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, describing their approach as ultimately ineffective.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 27, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah reflected on the much-publicised fight against galamsey launched by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2017. Despite the bold declaration by the former President to put his presidency on the line to address the issue, Mr. Buah assessed the initiative as a failure.
“It’s true the NPP administration started very well. There was a ban on mining activities in certain places—it lasted for six months and was extended to nine months,” he acknowledged. “But at the end of their eight years in power, the results are clear—degraded lands, polluted water bodies, and the destruction of forest reserves. These are facts that show the fight against galamsey was a failure.”
The Environmental Toll
Mr. Buah highlighted the severe environmental damage caused by galamsey activities, especially the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves, which he described as “unacceptable.” He stressed the need for decisive action to restore and protect Ghana’s natural resources, which have been heavily impacted by the illegal mining menace.
A Commitment to Change
The minister-designate pledged to adopt sustainable solutions to tackle galamsey, prioritising environmental protection and water resource conservation. He expressed his intention to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to implement effective policies and enforcement measures to end illegal mining practices.
Mr. Buah’s remarks come at a time when the country is grappling with the environmental and economic consequences of galamsey, which include contaminated rivers, loss of arable land, and long-term ecological damage. His criticism of the previous administration’s handling of the issue underscores the need for renewed focus and urgency in addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges.
