The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has issued a strong warning to illegal miners (galamsey operators) to immediately stop polluting Ghana’s rivers or face severe consequences.
Speaking during an anti-galamsey patrol operation on the heavily polluted Ankobra River in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region, Mr. Buah vowed that government is determined to restore the nation’s rivers to their natural state.
“We are sending a warning to anybody violating our laws and destroying our water bodies. We are determined to turn them blue again. Stay out, or do so at your own peril,” he cautioned.
The Minister, accompanied by officers of the National Anti-illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson, security operatives, and Blue Waters Guards, inspected the state of the Ankobra River from Wiawso to Akango.
Government’s New Enforcement Strategy Against Galamsey
Mr. Buah emphasized that the government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining, particularly activities within and around river bodies. He reiterated that no law in Ghana permits mining in rivers, yet galamsey operations continue to devastate critical water sources.
“We are moving to another major phase of our fight against illegal mining. Our major rivers, which are key to our survival, are being destroyed. This must stop,” he stressed.
The Minister revealed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed security forces to take full control of all major rivers as part of a new enforcement phase.
“In the coming months, you will see a new shift. President Mahama’s focus is clear — security forces will take direct control of every major river. There will be clear occupation and protection of our water bodies,” he announced.
A Call to Protect Ghana’s Water Resources
The patrol highlighted the government’s commitment to safeguard vital water bodies like the Ankobra, Pra, and Offin rivers from galamsey destruction. The Lands Ministry reaffirmed its resolve to work with security agencies and local authorities to end illegal mining once and for all.
