Emmanuel Opoku

#BUAH Honourable Emmanuel Kofi-Armah Buah (@ArmahKofiBuah), the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, is not asleep, despite the difficulties in combating illegal small-scale mining, also known as galamsey. He has revoked 300 mining licenses as part of the effort to curb illegal mining and protect water bodies. The “Ghanaian Times” reports that the revocation is the result of a nationwide audit of small-scale mining permits which uncovered widespread irregularities and non-compliance with environmental and operational standards. Ghana’s water resources are closely tied to its forest reserves. 80% of surface water originates from the reserve, but 44% of the forests, covering approximately 5,500 hectares, have been destroyed through illegal mining. The Minister insists on the enforcement of environmental laws, afforestation, and mining sector reforms as some of the measures to restore the quality of water.