Ghana's anti-galamsey fight showing real progress, says Deputy Lands Minister

Ghana's fight against illegal mining, commonly called galamsey, is yielding tangible results, according to Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Yusif Sulemana. Speaking on the government's efforts to combat the destructive practice, Sulemana highlighted recent achievements in water quality improvement and forest reclamation, signalling a shift in the nation's environmental protection strategy.

The minister credited two key initiatives with driving progress: the Natural Resources Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards programme. These coordinated interventions have reportedly helped restore degraded ecosystems and strengthen enforcement against illegal miners who have historically ravaged Ghana's natural resources with little consequence.

What has been achieved so far

Sulemana emphasised that water bodies across the country have experienced improved quality thanks to reduced illegal mining activity. Additionally, the government claims to have successfully reclaimed forest reserves that were heavily invaded and damaged by galamsey operations before the current administration took office. These reclamations represent efforts to restore biodiversity and prevent further environmental degradation in critical forest zones.

The MP for Bole-Bamboi underscored the administration's broader commitment to sustaining momentum in the anti-galamsey campaign, pledging continued protection of Ghana's forests, rivers and wider natural resource base from illegal mining's destructive footprint.

Why it matters for Ghana

Galamsey remains one of Ghana's most persistent environmental and public health challenges. The illegal mining sector pollutes water sources that communities depend on for drinking, fishing and agriculture, while destroying forest cover critical for biodiversity and carbon storage. Beyond environmental damage, galamsey operations often involve exploitative labour practices and generate minimal tax revenue for the state.

Progress on this front carries significance for multiple reasons. Improved water quality directly benefits millions of Ghanaians relying on rivers and underground aquifers. Forest restoration supports long-term climate resilience and protects livelihoods dependent on timber and non-timber forest products. Success also signals to international partners and investors that Ghana is serious about environmental stewardship—important as the nation pursues green financing and sustainable development goals.

However, experts caution that defeating galamsey requires sustained political will beyond rhetoric. Previous administrations have launched anti-galamsey campaigns that lost momentum, allowing illegal miners to resume operations. Effectiveness depends on consistent enforcement, adequate funding for task forces, prosecution of offenders including high-level financiers, and addressing the economic desperation driving many into mining. Communities must also be engaged in monitoring and reporting illegal activity.

The road ahead

While the minister's statement reflects optimism, observers will be watching whether these gains can be locked in. Sustainable progress requires balancing enforcement with livelihood alternatives for mining-dependent communities, stronger international cooperation on cross-border illegal mining networks, and transparent reporting on enforcement metrics. The government's commitment to the cause will ultimately be measured not just by claims of progress, but by verifiable improvements in water quality, forest cover, and prosecutions of galamsey kingpins over coming months.