The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, says the government has regained firm control of Ghana’s forest reserves despite continued attempts by illegal miners to re-enter protected areas.
According to him, while there are currently no red zones in the country’s forests, it does not mean illegal miners have stopped attempting to access protected areas. Rather, he said, it reflects the government’s strengthened capacity to detect and respond swiftly to such incursions.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah noted the establishment of Forest Protection Camps has enhanced the presence of forest guards and improved monitoring of forest reserves.
He explained that 10 Forest Protection Camps have already been created, with plans to expand the initiative, to ensure forest guards are permanently stationed in affected areas.
He stressed that the agencies under the Ministry are now capable of responding quickly to illegal mining activities (galamsey) in forest reserves.
“What I can tell you today is that despite all the things they are doing, we know for a fact that we are now firmly in control of the forest, and within 24 hours, if you try to enter, with the support of NAIMOS, the forest guards will clear you out. That’s where we are, and that’s where we want to be,” he said.
He said the government will continue to strengthen measures aimed at protecting forest reserves from illegal mining activities.
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