Chiefs and MMDCEs to lead the charge against galamsey – Lands Minister

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah (MP), has announced a bold strategy to decentralise Ghana’s anti galamsey efforts by actively involving local chiefs and Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

This initiative comes amid alarming reports that approximately 16% of Ghana’s forest reserves have been lost to illegal mining.

Addressing a workshop for newly appointed MMDCEs on Wednesday, 18 June 2025, Minister Buah stressed the need for a “bottom up” approach, with traditional leaders and district officials playing a direct role in issuing mining licences and enforcing local oversight.

“Chiefs and MMDCEs will play a crucial role in fighting galamsey,” the Minister declared. “The decentralised system will drive a bottom up approach to allow your involvement in the issuance of mining licences.”

This shift aligns with government priorities following President John Dramani Mahama’s January 2025 inauguration under the NDC, and complements wider measures such as the Blue Water and Blue River Guards, launched in March 2025 to protect rivers and water bodies.

According to the Minister, the government’s anti galamsey strategy includes five pillars:

1. Reclaiming degraded mining areas
2. Providing alternative livelihoods
3. Strengthening law enforcement
4. Reforming licensing regimes
5. Enhancing stakeholder education and engagement

He urged the MMDCEs to “fully commit to the cause to halt the devastation of Ghana’s lands,” warning that “defaulters and connivers of illicit activities will face the full force of the law.”

However, civil society remains cautious. The Ghana Academic Professional Forum has labelled the current anti galamsey effort a “mirage” and merely cosmetic, urging a declaration of emergency in illegal mining zones.

While acknowledging Minister Buah’s initiatives, they argue that without genuine empowerment of traditional authorities and robust enforcement, progress may be superficial.

Academic critics, citing government statistics, note that 44% of forest reserves have been degraded and water turbidity levels are still dangerously high. They warn that unless deeper structural reforms are implemented rapidly, legal frameworks like L.I. 2462, which currently permit mining in forest reserves, could prolong environmental damage.

By embedding anti galamsey efforts into local structures and championing community custodianship, the government aims to preserve Ghana’s forests and rivers. But only time and sustained action, will reveal whether this is more than rhetoric, and whether chiefs and local authorities can effectively shield Ghana’s natural heritage.