8,900 hectares of forest reserves destroyed by galamsey – Armah-Kofi Buah

About 8,900 hectares of Ghana’s forest reserves have been completely degraded through illegal mining (galamsey) and other destructive activities, according to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Mr Buah said nine forest reserves were among the worst affected by illegal mining, with some areas becoming increasingly difficult for Forestry Commission officials to access because of attacks, violence and the presence of weapons.

The government has intensified operations in forest reserves, resulting in the seizure and immobilisation of hundreds of excavators, pumping machines, changfan machines and other equipment used in illegal mining.