Illegal Mining Fight: A Marathon, Not a Sprint – Lands Minister
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah, has emphasized that Ghana’s battle against illegal gold mining—locally known as galamsey—is a long-term "marathon," not a sprint. He stressed that decisive, sustained efforts are required to protect the environment, water bodies, and future generations. Why This Matters Systemic governance challenge: Less than 40 of over 800 mining‑related cases have been prosecuted successfully in courts, highlighting the need for legal reform and faster adjudication. Large-scale environmental destruction: Around 16% of Ghana’s land reserves have been degraded due to galamsey, affecting river lives, forests, and biodiversity. Strategy & Reforms 1. Fast‑Track Court for Miners Buah is advocating for a special court to expedite trials against illegal miners, arguing traditional courts are too slow to deter offenders. He has raised the idea with senior officials including the Attorney General and Chief Justice. […]