One of the key areas Ghanaians are expecting the government to take strong action against is illegal mining which threatens life and the environment.
In the lead up to the 2024 general elections, there was huge public outcry with pockets of protests on the streets and also on social media to drive home their displeasure over the New Patriotic Party (NPP)-led government’s silence on the matter.
Some citizens took it upon themselves to update their followers almost on a daily basis on social media with drone footage from areas where the destruction was massive and life-threatening and also endangering the food security agenda.
Water pollution was huge and thick to the extent that a popular artist, Israel Derrick Apeti also known as Enil Art used it from the Pra River to paint; that tells the depth of risks the country faces.
Many believe the then government turning deaf ears to the issues being raised was one of the reasons they suffered the embarrassing defeat in the December 7 elections both at presidential and parliamentary levels.
In view of all the glaring risks galamsey poses to lives and food security, the new government has assured Ghanaians of addressing the menace with drastic measures.
Popularly known as galamsey, the increasing use of mercury to mine gold by digging on a massive scale in forests and farms, degrading land and polluting rivers cannot be left to continue as the Ghana Water Company Limited has issued several warnings on their struggles to get clean water.
Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister-designate for Lands and Natural Resources, has promised to lead the agenda to end the catastrophe.
During his appearance before the Appointments Committee on Monday, January 27, 2025, Mr. Buah outlined a detailed vision focused on increasing transparency, advancing sustainable practices, and addressing inefficiencies within the sector.
Farmers in the country have faced significant challenges in recent years due to illegal mining practices. These activities not only destroy their crops but also pollute the water supplies essential for irrigation.
A report by The Business and Financial Times in 2021 revealed that more than 100,000 acres of cocoa farms have been devastated, with over 20 acres of cocoa farms experiencing destruction each week due to illegal mining. This has left many farmers jobless.
Sale Of Public Land
In a three-hour session, Mr. Buah addressed critical issues including illegal mining and its impact on farmlands and water bodies, forest reserve protection, the sale of public lands, and reforms needed in the mining licensing process, and pledged his commitment to ensuring farmlands are protected from the menace.
He expressed determination to eliminate the practice of undervaluing and selling public lands at discounted rates, which he termed harmful to national progress. Mr. Buah stressed that public lands should be sold at their true market value to ensure fairness and safeguard the public interest.
“As it stands, the guidelines for the sale of public lands value them at 25%, with the remaining amount paid as ground rent. That will not continue. If there is a need to sell, it must be at the current market value so that Ghanaians are not shortchanged,” he stated.
He also pledged sweeping reforms and bold measures to address key challenges in Ghana’s natural resources sector.
Reporting by Stephen Freeman, Accra.
