Lands Minister vows ruthless crackdown on illegal mining

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has said that the government will deal firmly with anyone engaged in illegal mining.

Mr. Buah described the galamsey menace as a major national security concern, emphasizing that the administration is committed to ending it without compromise.

Addressing the launch of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations (NAIMOS) Task Force in Sunyani on Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Minister assured the team of the President’s full support.

“The fight against illegal mining is not going to stop, and every measure at the Presidency is going to be used. I charge you with a profound sense of duty and patriotism. Any recalcitrant who enters these zones is not only a trespasser, but also an enemy of the state. You are to be firm, resolute, and ruthless.

You will take no obtrusive intrusion from any big man. Remember, the biggest man in Ghana is the President, and he is the one who has sent you,” he stated.

The Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, Mustapha Gbande, urged the Task Force to carry out their duties without fear or favour.

“The most powerful person in this country, the President, is fully backing you on this mission. The NDC does not and will not endorse what our President is against. In the bush or in a water body, there is no political colour.

So, if anybody goes in the name of a political colour, arrest the person. If anybody comes in the name of the President, also arrest the person,” he said.

The deployment of NAIMOS is expected to boost nationwide operations aimed at restoring degraded environments and safeguarding vital water resources from illegal mining.