Eastern Regional Minister-Designate, Rita Awatey has pledged decisive action against illegal mining, commonly called ‘galamsey,’ in the region.
During her appearance before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 23, 2025, she voiced strong concerns about the destruction of farmlands and forests, including cocoa farms, by galamsey. Awatey stressed the urgent need to address this issue to protect Ghana’s environment and economy.
“Most cocoa-growing areas overlap with mineral-rich lands. Almost all cocoa farms are being destroyed by illegal mining,” she noted.
Furthermore, the Minister Nominee promised to lead a reforestation program to restore degraded lands and forests. She emphasized this effort would help farmers reclaim their lands and revive cocoa farming, boosting the region’s socio-economic progress.
“We’ll strictly apply the rules. No farming or reserved forest areas should be destroyed. Reforestation will allow us to regain forests, so farmers can grow cocoa and help the Eastern Region and Ghana thrive,” she added.
Background
Illegal mining, or galamsey, has become a major environmental and socio-economic problem in Ghana. This practice, often unregulated, destroys forests, pollutes rivers, and ruins farmlands. Cocoa farms, critical to Ghana’s economy, are particularly affected as galamsey invades fertile lands, threatening food security and livelihoods. Although successive governments have tried to tackle the problem, enforcement has faced challenges, such as corruption and resource constraints.
Moreover, civil society organizations (CSOs) have consistently advocated for solutions to the galamsey crisis. For example, they have called for stricter enforcement of mining laws, community education on environmental risks, and sustainable programs for affected farmers. Additionally, CSOs have pressured the government to involve chiefs, local leaders, and mining companies in finding long-term solutions. Their continued efforts are crucial in holding authorities accountable in the fight against galamsey.
