"We appeal for technical support to assist in our fight against illegal mining" – Deputy Lands Minister to Diplomatic Corp

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Sulemana Yusif, has issued a passionate appeal to the international community to rally behind Ghana in its relentless fight against illegal mining, locally known as galamsey.

Addressing the Diplomatic Corp at a commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony held under the Tree for Life Reforestation Initiative, the Deputy Minister underscored the government's unwavering commitment to curbing the environmental menace.

Speaking on behalf of the sector Minister, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, he stressed that the scale, complexity, and cross-border nature of illegal mining operations require robust global cooperation.

“Your Execellency, I humbly appeal for financial and technical support to assist Ghana in our fight gainst illegal mining"

"It has become an existential environmental threats to our forests are depleted, our river bodies are pollutedand but that is a call that we all have to respond to” Hon. Yusif stated.

"The sophisticated networks behind this activity make it increasingly difficult for one country to fight alone. We need sustained international collaboration in terms of intelligence sharing, technology, funding, and policy alignment.”

The Deputy Minister outlined a comprehensive five-pillar strategy currently guiding the government’s anti-illegal mining agenda:

• Reforming the mining licensing regime,

• Strengthening enforcement mechanisms,

• Reclaiming and restoring degraded lands,

• Providing alternative livelihoods for affected communities, and

• Deepening engagement with both local and international stakeholders.

Hon. Yusif warned that illegal mining continues to pose a grave threat to Ghana’s environment, water bodies, and long-term sustainable development goals.

He emphasized that without decisive and coordinated international support, the country’s efforts could be undermined.

Highlighting Ghana’s broader environmental vision, the Deputy Minister pointed to the Tree for Life initiative, which aims to plant 30 million tree seedlings across the country by 2025.

The program, he said, is a crucial part of Ghana’s urban greening, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management goals.

Board Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Prof. Martin Oteng-Ababio, echoed the Minister's call, commending the diplomatic community for their growing interest and participation in Ghana’s environmental agenda.

He described the day’s tree planting event as a symbol of renewed commitment to planetary care.

Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Maher Kheir, who spoke on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, reaffirmed their support for Ghana’s green development vision and pledged continued partnership.

Launched in March 2025, the Tree for Life initiative also designates June as Green Month—a time of nationwide mobilization of schools, civil society groups, private sector actors, and international allies.

The campaign targets reforestation, water body restoration, ecosystem conservation, and the creation of green jobs in communities affected by illegal mining.

As the country pushes ahead with its environmental reforms, government officials are hopeful that the international community will respond with long-term investments, technical assistance, and diplomatic backing to safeguard Ghana’s natural resources for future generations.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith