Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, has strongly criticized the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration’s handling of the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as ‘galamsey.’
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had faced significant backlash for failing to fulfill his 2017 promise to tackle galamsey, despite pledging to risk his presidency to address the issue.
During his appearance before the Appointments Committee of Parliament on January 27, Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah acknowledged the NPP’s initial efforts but ultimately deemed their approach a “failure.” He condemned the illegal mining activities, especially those harming water bodies, calling them “unacceptable” and underscoring the need for stricter measures.
“It’s true the NPP administration started very well, there was a ban on mining areas that lasted six months and was extended to nine months,” he remarked. “But at the end of the 8 years, the outcome is what we all know—degraded lands, polluted water bodies, and rampant destruction of forest reserves. These are clear indications that the fight against galamsey was a failure.”
Mr. Armah-Kofi Buah committed to tackling the issue with decisive action and implementing sustainable solutions to protect Ghana’s environment and water resources.
