Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has reported that illegal miners have taken control of nine out of the country’s 44 forest reserves, effectively blocking the Forestry Commission’s access to these areas.

This development highlights the escalating challenges posed by illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey,” which continue to cause significant environmental degradation.

Minister Buah emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the Forestry Commission is unable to access these forest reserves due to the presence of illegal mining operations. He stated, “Over nine out of the 44 forest reserves have been completely taken over by these illegal mining thugs with impunity. The Forestry Commission no longer has access to these forest reserves.”

The illegal mining activities have led to the destruction of over 5,000 hectares of forest land, with the most affected regions including areas in Ashanti, Western, and Western North.

In response to these challenges, Minister Buah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating illegal mining, vowing that efforts will continue to address the crisis. He stated, “This situation has assumed crisis proportions. We are committed to tackling illegal mining and will not relent in our efforts.”

The government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining are critical to preserving Ghana’s forest resources and ensuring the sustainability of its natural environment.

Source:TheDotNews