Buah And The Galamsey War: Why Mahama May Have Chosen The Right Man For Ghana’s Toughest Battle
There are some battles a government cannot afford to lose. For Ghana, the war against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey is one of them. It is a battle over the country’s rivers, forests, farmlands and, ultimately, the future of generations yet unborn. For the last eight years, illegal mining has expanded from scattered activities […] The post Buah And The Galamsey War: Why Mahama May…
Ghana's ongoing battle against illegal mining, also known as galamsey, is a critical issue that extends beyond environmental damage and economic impact. It is a conflict that threatens the integrity of the nation's rivers, forests, and farmlands, and ultimately, the well-being of future generations. The decision by President John Dramani Mahama to appoint Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah to lead the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources highlights the gravity of this challenge.
Buah's reputation for integrity and honesty, as noted by those who have worked closely with him, makes him a strong candidate to lead this battle. His role entails more than just speeches and policy documents; he must be capable of standing firm against powerful interests, resisting inducements, and ensuring that Ghana's natural resources serve the broader public good.
The government's strategy involves a sustained enforcement-and-restoration model, which includes arrests, equipment seizures, river patrols, security deployments, protection of forest reserves, and reclamation of degraded lands. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has reported significant achievements, such as the destruction of 2,647 Changfang platforms and the seizure of hundreds of excavators.
Additionally, NAIMOS has been deploying intelligence-led operations involving various agencies, moving towards permanent deployments, and establishing dedicated operational bases in key mining areas. A notable development is the deployment of the Blue Water Guards, who have been trained and deployed nationwide to patrol rivers, identify illegal mining sites, and report activities.
This presence is already showing positive results in improving water systems in several districts. Enforcement efforts are also extending into forested areas, with recent operations in the Atiwa Forest Reserve leading to the destruction of several makeshift structures and water-pumping machines. However, reclamation of degraded lands remains crucial, with over 800 acres already being restored.
While challenges persist and illegal mining continues to adapt, the progress made suggests that Ghana is gaining ground in this war. The success of this strategy largely depends on the commitment of the appointed Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. If his integrity proves to be his strongest attribute, he has the potential to make a significant impact, ensuring that rivers run clean, forests are protected, and degraded lands become productive once again.
The real victory will not be the destruction of machines, but the restoration of Ghana's natural resources and the end of illegal mining as a viable industry.
Written by urgent.news from The Chronicle Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
