Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has raised alarm over the growing threat posed by illegal mining, revealing that nine out of the country’s 44 forest reserves have been fully taken over by illegal miners.
This has effectively prevented the Forestry Commission from accessing these areas.
In a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, February 19, Minister Buah described the situation as a “crisis,” highlighting the severe impact of illegal mining on the country’s forest resources and water bodies.
He said, “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 reserves.”
The illegal mining activities, known locally as “galamsey,” have led to widespread environmental destruction.
