VP Opoku-Agyemang Lauds Ministry’s “Inflexible Commitment” in Fight Against Galamsey
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has commended the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for its relentless efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s environment.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry on [insert date], the Vice President described the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, as a critical battle for national survival that goes beyond mere environmental policy.
“The toughest assignment before this Ministry is to ensure that no child is born with deformities caused by chemicals—whether through contaminated drinking water or polluted air,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated, highlighting the direct human cost of environmental degradation.
She emphasized that the government’s resolve to safeguard public health and natural resources remains unwavering, backed by significant investments in coordinated enforcement and broad stakeholder engagement.
The Vice President specifically acknowledged visible progress in land reclamation and forest restoration initiatives led by the Ministry. She urged officials to intensify these efforts, noting that reclaiming any portion of degraded land represents a vital success.
“The number of lands being reclaimed is difficult to imagine, but retrieving even a portion of them is an important success story. We want to encourage you to do even more,” she said.
In response, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, outlined the Ministry’s strategic interventions. Key among them is the establishment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Secretariat, designed to harmonize and strengthen law enforcement operations across agencies.
Minister Buah detailed a comprehensive five-pronged strategy focusing on stakeholder engagement, regulatory reforms, and the promotion of alternative livelihoods for affected communities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable mining.
“Mining is the heartbeat of this country,” Mr. Buah said, “but it must be done responsibly.”
The visit underscores the escalating national priority placed on ending illegal mining, which has been linked to widespread water pollution, deforestation, and long-term health risks for communities.
