Galamsey: Government records 1,400 arrests in eight months – Kofi Buah

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that the government is intensifying its fight against illegal mining.

He said the crackdown on galamsey has resulted in 1,400 arrests within the past eight months. He described the figures as evidence that the current strategy is producing tangible results.

Speaking on GTV on Wednesday, September 24, which was followed keenly by Today.com.gh, Mr. Buah contrasted the numbers with the 800 arrests recorded over nearly three years under the previous administration. According to him, the significant increase reflects the effectiveness of the government’s approach.

“We have seized 440 excavators and more than 800 changfans. We have mobilised Blue Water Guards in key regions, and they are making a difference,” the minister said. He explained that beyond arrests and equipment seizures, the government was committed to providing alternatives for miners who wish to operate within the law.

Mr. Buah emphasized that enforcement alone cannot address the issue, noting that training and capacity-building opportunities are being made available for miners to collaborate with large-scale mining companies. This, he said, would ensure that livelihoods are protected while safeguarding the environment.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister stressed the need for a balanced approach that curbs illegal mining, preserves natural resources, and creates regulated avenues for sustainable economic activity in the mining sector.

However, President John Dramani Mahama has nominated His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for appointment as Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.

The nomination, made in line with Article 144(1) of the 1992 Constitution, has been referred to the Council of State for consideration. Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 22, 2025, following the suspension of Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.

According to a statement from the Presidency, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie has had a distinguished judicial career, serving at the High Court, the Court of Appeal, and currently at the Supreme Court. He is credited with making significant contributions to the development of Ghanaian jurisprudence and is widely respected for his intellect, impartiality, and commitment to justice.

The nomination comes after President Mahama, acting on the recommendation of a committee established under Article 146, removed Justice Torkornoo from office on September 1, 2025, for stated misbehaviour. Her removal marked the first time a sitting Chief Justice had been dismissed under Ghana’s Fourth Republic.