The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Kofi Armah Buah, has reaffirmed government’s stance against adopting a “shoot and kill” strategy in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) in Ghana.

He described calls for such extreme measures as misguided, stressing that they do not provide a sustainable solution to the menace.

Speaking at Bibiani in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality on Tuesday, September 17, the Minister explained that government’s strategy focuses on education, sensitization, and community engagement rather than violence. He emphasized that the key to ending galamsey lies in winning the hearts and minds of the people, not resorting to deadly force.

“The nation is under no illusion that we can end illegal mining through armed force. What will work is winning the hearts and minds of the people. Through education and dialogue, they will come to realize that destroying our environment is destroying our future,” Mr. Armah Buah stated.

He highlighted that government’s approach is to appeal to the conscience of illegal miners by making them understand the devastating impact of galamsey on water bodies, farmlands, and forests. According to him, this method will not only protect Ghana’s natural resources but also secure the future of generations to come.

The Minister also reminded Ghanaians that the fight against galamsey is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all citizens, not just government and security agencies.

Mr. Armah Buah gave this assurance when he joined stakeholders at a cooperative and skills training programme in Bibiani, which forms part of government’s broader efforts to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices across the country.