September 2, 2025, The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has advised residents of his constituency to stay away from illegal mining popularly called “galamsey” and to embrace the government’s Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme (COMSDEP).
“We are bringing the Responsible Co-operative Mining and Skills Development Programme, and I urge you to embrace it and stay away from illegal mining activities that have the potential to destroy our land, forest reserves, and river bodies,” he said.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle, made the appeal to chiefs and residents in several communities as part of a tour of towns and villages in the constituency.
The tour afforded the Minister the opportunity to thank residents for voting massively for the NDC in the last elections. He also used the occasion to explain government policies and ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy.
The Minister decried the wanton destruction of the environment through galamsey activities by some youth. “Illegal mining is destroying our forests and water bodies, so let us stop it and use the right methods of mining,” he said.
According to him, the anti-galamsey task force has waged a relentless campaign against illegal mining since the NDC government assumed the reins of government. The Lands Minister assured the people that the government would not relent in its fight against illegal mining and urged them to halt such activities to safeguard river bodies, land, and forest reserves.
He further noted that the government’s responsible mining regime will create employment in mining communities without degrading the environment.
By Nzematoday TV
