Since 2023, over 800 illegal miners have been apprehended as part of the government’s intensified effort to combat illegal mining, or galamsey, in Ghana’s forest reserves. The Forestry Commission, in collaboration with a military task force, has been demolishing illegal mining structures, confiscating vehicles, and protecting forest reserves and water bodies.
John Allotey, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, expressed optimism that these efforts have slowed illegal activities. However, the Ghana Institute of Foresters voiced dissatisfaction with the government’s neglect of their proposed strategies to permanently tackle the issue.
Speaking at the 27th Annual General Meeting of the Ghana Institute of Foresters, stakeholders highlighted the devastation caused by mining, including the loss of 2.5 million hectares of forest cover. They called for stricter regulations, better collaboration, and reforestation efforts post-mining.
The Forestry Commission recommended a practical approach: limiting mining to specific cases where economic benefits outweigh environmental costs, rather than banning all mining activities outright. Meanwhile, foresters are urging the government to engage with all stakeholders to create sustainable solutions to end the menace.
