The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, could not hold back himself over the destructions being caused by illegal mining to the environment and biodiversity as he shed tears whiles briefing the media on Monday April 21, 2025.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah reported that a joint operation by the Police and Forestry Commission raided six galamsay sites linked to Akonta Mining in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve arrested individuals involved and ceased several items.
He described the scene as both heartbreaking and a national tragedy but he however, reiterated government’s commitment to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the country.
The minister’s voice changed as a result of the gravity of the situation while he was giving an update on the adverse effects of galamsay on the country’s protected forests.
The Ellembele lawmaker became very emotional, paused while delivering the address and pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped away the heavy tears that had filled in his eyes rendering the room silent for a moment.
The raid by the police and forestry commission on Good Friday targeted the six illegal sites linked to Akonta Mining Company Ltd follows an intelligence.
The operation led to the arrest of 51 suspects and the seizure of 30 excavators, weapons, vehicles, and other mining equipment.
Describing the condition of the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve, once a thriving ecosystem, the Minister called it a “devastation of biblical proportions.”
He reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and stressed the administration’s resolve to restore Ghana’s degraded lands.
In line with this, the Ministry has revoked Akonta Mining’s lease and begun legal proceedings against those involved. Investigations are also underway into possible complicity by some officials of the Forestry Commission and security services.
