Armah-Kofi Buah Claims Akufo-Addo's Efforts to Combat Galamsey Were Ineffective

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister-Designate for Lands and Natural Resources, has delivered a scathing critique of the previous administration’s efforts in combating illegal mining, known as ‘galamsey,’ under the leadership of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Armah-Kofi Buah’s comments came during his appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 27, where he shared his views on the state of the nation’s fight against illegal mining and the destruction it has caused to the environment.

The former administration’s attempts to address the widespread problem of galamsey had been a topic of much controversy and criticism over the years. In 2017, President Akufo-Addo promised to combat illegal mining by putting his presidency on the line, emphasizing that eradicating the menace was one of his top priorities. Despite his commitment and the initial actions taken by his government, many critics, including environmentalists and citizens, argued that the promises were largely unmet. The subsequent years saw continued environmental degradation, with illegal mining activities continuing to damage water bodies, forests, and arable lands, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the country’s natural resources.

Armah-Kofi Buah, who served as the former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, did not hold back in assessing the NPP government’s approach to this critical issue. While he acknowledged that the initial steps taken by the NPP, such as the imposition of a ban on small-scale mining and efforts to regulate the industry, were a good starting point, he did not hesitate to label the overall outcome as a “failure.” According to him, the results over the eight years of the NPP’s rule are evident in the continued environmental damage, particularly to the country’s water bodies and forest reserves.

“The NPP administration did start with good intentions. There was a ban on illegal mining activities, which was initially set for six months and later extended to nine months,” Armah-Kofi Buah said during his testimony. “However, after eight years, the reality is clear—our lands are degraded, water bodies are polluted, and forests are destroyed. These outcomes clearly point to the failure of the fight against galamsey.”

One of the most pressing issues raised by Armah-Kofi Buah was the severe damage done to water bodies, which are essential for both drinking and agricultural purposes. He referred to the pollution of rivers and streams caused by illegal miners who use toxic chemicals like mercury and cyanide to extract gold, which not only harms aquatic life but also poses significant health risks to the population. The widespread destruction of forest reserves was another issue he highlighted, noting that valuable ecosystems have been lost, impacting biodiversity and contributing to the country’s growing environmental challenges, including climate change.

Armah-Kofi Buah’s critique of the previous administration’s failure to make meaningful progress in halting galamsey was not just a criticism but also a call to action. He assured the Appointments Committee that if confirmed, he would take a more comprehensive and determined approach to combat illegal mining. He promised to implement stronger policies, focusing on sustainable mining practices and stricter enforcement of laws. Moreover, he stressed the importance of working collaboratively with stakeholders, including local communities, traditional leaders, and security agencies, to address the root causes of illegal mining and prevent further environmental degradation.

“My approach will be different,” he vowed. “We cannot afford to continue down the path we’ve been on. I will focus on decisive action, not just temporary measures. We must prioritize sustainable solutions to protect our water bodies, forests, and lands.”

In closing, Armah-Kofi Buah’s remarks underscored his commitment to addressing one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges. His stance on taking swift and comprehensive action against galamsey was clear: he intends to pursue long-term solutions that will safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations, moving beyond the shortcomings of previous administrations’ responses.