March 19, 2026, As part of pragmatic steps and bold measures to curb the illegal mining menace popularly referred to as galamsey, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has officially launched the Patriotic Journalists Against Galamsey (PAJAG) initiative.
The initiative brings together committed journalists, forming a coalition of media professionals who are focused on ethical reporting and strong advocacy in the fight against illegal mining.
Speaking at a luncheon in Accra, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, who also serves as the Acting Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, stated:
“PAJAG’s mission directly reinforces our multi-pronged national strategy to fight galamsey.”
Dubbed “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Chamfan,” the initiative is expected to play a key role in ending galamsey.
He explained that by bridging the gap between public awareness and policy, the group complements the ongoing law enforcement operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), while supporting sustainable mining and livelihood programmes such as the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
According to Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah:
“In fighting galamsey, I will step on any toe in the interest of Ghana.”
The Minister firmly stated that he would take strong action against illegal miners and anyone who supports them, no matter their political ties or status.
Since assuming office, Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah has implemented various strategies to tackle galamsey, such as launching the Ghana Blue Water Guards initiative and setting up the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
