The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has issued a strong warning against illegal mining in forest reserves and water bodies, vowing that no one—regardless of political affiliation—will be spared if found engaging in the act.
During a recent tour of the Offin-Shelterbelt Forest Reserve within the Nkawie Forest District in the Ashanti Region, a joint military-police task force successfully cleared all illegal miners from the area.
Speaking at the scene, the minister expressed deep concern over the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining, particularly in critical water sources.
“This is the only reason why we live, this is why we breathe. This is where we get everything that keeps us alive. So when you see this devastation at the heart of the Offin River, it is clear that a few of our own people are destroying the very resources we depend on for survival,” he stated.
He urged young people interested in mining to follow the legal pathways, warning that strict action would be taken against those who mine illegally in protected areas.
“There is a right way to do mining, but we will not spare anyone who engages in illegal mining in our reserves. We have made this very clear,” he cautioned.
Buah also expressed confidence in the government’s decision to repeal L.I. 2463, a regulation that previously permitted mining in forest reserves. He noted that this move would further safeguard protected areas, ensuring that not even the President would have the authority to grant mining rights in restricted zones.
