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The Government of Ghana is set to declare all forest reserves and water bodies as national security zones in a renewed effort to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, revealed the plan during an interview on GTV on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. He explained that the move forms part of measures to safeguard the country’s critical natural resources and ensure their long-term protection.
“The President has made it very clear that we are moving all the water bodies and the forest reserves into national security zones, which means they will become no-go areas. We are now preparing to deploy permanent military to these areas,” Mr. Buah said.
According to him, the permanent deployment of security forces will act as a deterrent to illegal miners whose activities continue to pollute water bodies, destroy forest cover, and threaten livelihoods across Ghana.
The announcement comes amid mounting pressure on government from civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and concerned citizens to take decisive action against galamsey, which has devastated farmlands and left major rivers dangerously contaminated.
Authorities believe that designating these reserves as national security zones will provide the legal and institutional backing needed to enforce protection and preserve natural resources for future generations.
