Lands Minister Declares Water Bodies, Forest Reserves as Security Zones in Galamsey Crackdown
In a bold move to combat illegal mining, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah has announced plans to designate all water bodies and forest reserves as security zones, with permanent security forces to be deployed to curb galamsey activities.
The decision follows President John Mahama’s directive amid mounting public pressure, including protests by Democracy Hub and FixTheCountry, for a state of emergency to address environmental devastation.
Speaking on GTV, Buah highlighted ongoing policy reforms, including the establishment of the Blue Water Guard and strengthened enforcement measures, but acknowledged the severe damage inherited by the administration.
“With the level of destruction that this government came to meet, we are under no illusion that it is going to be solved in 8 months,” he said, emphasizing a listening government committed to action.
The urgency stems from a UK-backed report by Africa Pure Earth and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), revealing mercury contamination in water bodies up to 500 times safe levels across six regions—Western, Eastern, Ashanti, Central, Savannah, and Western North—between August 2024 and September 2025. Tests in communities like Konongo Odumase and Nyamebekyere showed heavy metals in crops such as taro leaves and tomatoes, posing health risks.
The Ghana Water Company Limited has cited galamsey-driven pollution for proposed 280% tariff hikes due to increased treatment costs.
Despite government efforts, stakeholders remain dissatisfied, with calls to repeal LI 2462 and enforce stricter measures. The security zone declaration aims to protect critical ecosystems, though its implementation timeline remains unspecified.
