Lands Minister Sheds Tears Over Galamsey Devastation in Tano Nimri Forest
After witnessing the environmental ruin left by galamsey, the Lands Minister’s tears tell a story of devastation and urgency
- Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah breaks down after witnessing severe environmental damage in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.
- 51 suspects arrested and 30 excavators seized in a joint anti-illegal mining operation
- Mining lease revoked, legal action underway
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, was overcome with emotion as he recounted the staggering environmental damage caused by illegal mining—known locally as galamsey—in Ghana’s Tano Nimri Forest Reserve.
During a press briefing on Monday, April 21, Mr. Buah struggled to hold back tears while sharing the grim reality of the destruction: once-verdant landscapes stripped bare, water bodies choked with sludge, and vibrant ecosystems reduced to lifeless ruins.
He described the sight as a “national tragedy” and “a devastation of biblical proportions,” underscoring the dire consequences of unchecked illegal mining.
The emotional moment came as the Minister detailed the aftermath of a coordinated security operation carried out on April 17 by the Ghana Police Service and the Forestry Commission.
The raid, targeting six illegal mining sites allegedly operated by Akonta Mining Company Ltd., resulted in the arrest of 51 individuals and the confiscation of 30 excavators, weapons, vehicles, and other mining tools.
As he paused to wipe away tears with a white handkerchief, the room fell silent—a moment that deeply emphasized the seriousness of the crisis. The Minister reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance approach to galamsey, announcing the revocation of Akonta Mining’s lease and ongoing legal action against those involved.
He also revealed that investigations are underway into the potential involvement of some officials within the Forestry Commission and security agencies.
Mr. Buah reaffirmed the government’s determination to restore the nation’s forests and hold all offenders accountable, vowing that the fight against illegal mining will be relentless and uncompromising.
