Key Points
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Government declares forests and rivers as security zones against galamsey.
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Attorney General leads prosecutions of illegal mining offenders.
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New security zone policy grants stronger enforcement powers.
The government of Ghana plans to designate all rivers and forests as security zones in a stronger effort to fight illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced the measure on Wednesday, September 24, during an interview on the GTV Breakfast Show.
He warned that anyone caught mining illegally in these zones would face strict legal consequences.
“We are moving another step further. That step says we are going to declare all the water bodies and our forests security zones. If you engage in illegal mining activity there, you do so at your own risk,” Buah said.
This move, he explained, aligns with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s promise to use every tool available to end galamsey.
Government intensifies crackdown on galamsey operations
Buah stressed that the government remains committed to fighting environmental destruction caused by galamsey.
He added that several cases are already moving through the courts. According to him, Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame is personally supervising the prosecutions.
“The Attorney General is on top of this matter. Anybody engaged in illegal mining, we don’t care who you are or how politically connected you may be, we will arrest and prosecute you,” Buah said.
Forests and rivers classified as security zones
By declaring forests and rivers as security zones, the government wants to give state security agencies more power to stop offenders.
This decision also responds to repeated calls from lawmakers and civil society for stronger action to protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Officials expect the policy to protect fragile ecosystems. Over the years, galamsey has polluted rivers, destroyed farmlands, and stripped forest reserves of trees.
Political leaders back tougher anti-galamsey stance
Political leaders and activists have welcomed the measure. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor told JoyNews that security zoning is a smarter choice than declaring a state of emergency.
He explained that a state of emergency could create wider political and social problems. However, classifying rivers and forests as security zones gives the military and police clear authority to act.
The government believes the policy will deter offenders, strengthen law enforcement, and protect Ghana’s environment for future generations.
